Nigeria Confirms Joint Air Operation With US Against Islamic State Fighters

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The Federal Government has acknowledged that American forces, working alongside Nigerian security agencies, carried out coordinated air operations targeting Islamic State (IS) elements operating in parts of north-western Nigeria.

This confirmation was contained in a statement released on Friday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and signed by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi. The ministry explained that the action followed close cooperation between both countries and resulted in what it described as “precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West.”

According to the statement, the collaboration reflects Nigeria’s ongoing security partnership with the United States and other allies in tackling terrorism and violent extremism.

“In line with established international practice and bilateral understandings, this cooperation includes the exchange of intelligence, strategic coordination, and other forms of support consistent with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty, and shared commitments to regional and global security,” the statement said.

The government stressed that terrorism, regardless of whether it targets Muslims or Christians, represents a direct attack on Nigeria’s values and poses a threat to both national and international peace.

“Nigeria reiterates that all counter-terrorism efforts are guided by the primacy of protecting civilian lives, safeguarding national unity, and upholding the rights and dignity of all citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity,” it added.

The statement further noted that Nigeria will continue to engage closely with its partners through diplomatic and security channels to dismantle terrorist networks, disrupt their logistics and funding, and prevent cross-border threats, while also strengthening local security institutions and intelligence systems.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to engage relevant partners and keep the public informed through appropriate official channels,” it concluded.

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