The United States military, in collaboration with the Nigerian government, has carried out coordinated airstrikes against terrorists affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) group in north-western Nigeria.
US President Donald Trump disclosed the operation, saying the strikes were carried out following his directive to the US Department of Defense.
He described the operation as involving “numerous perfect strikes” against what he termed “terrorist scum,” accusing the group of targeting and brutally killing innocent civilians, particularly Christians.
According to Trump, the operation underscores his administration’s stance against extremism, stressing that “under my leadership, our country will not allow Radical Islamic Terrorism to prosper.”
The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) later confirmed that the airstrikes, carried out on Thursday, were conducted in coordination with Nigerian authorities and targeted terrorist elements in Sokoto State.
Nigeria’s Federal Government also confirmed the development in a statement issued on Friday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The statement, signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi, said the operation was part of ongoing structured security cooperation between Nigeria and its international partners, including the United States.
According to the ministry, the collaboration led to “precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West,” facilitated through intelligence sharing, strategic coordination, and other forms of support consistent with international law and respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty.
The government emphasized that all counter-terrorism efforts are guided by the protection of civilian lives, national unity, and the rights and dignity of all citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity.
“Nigeria reiterates that terrorist violence in any form whether directed at Christians, Muslims, or other communities remains an affront to Nigeria’s values and to international peace and security,” the statement added.
