By Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
THE Federal Government has confirmed that air strikes were carried out on terrorist targets in the North-West region of the country as part of ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
According to the minister, Nigeria is engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States, to confront the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism.
“The Ministry confirms that Nigerian authorities are engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States, in addressing the ongoing threat of terrorism and violent extremism,” Tuggar stated.
He explained that the collaboration had resulted in precision air strikes on terrorist strongholds in the North-West.
The confirmation follows an earlier announcement by the United States government that it would provide additional support to enhance surveillance, security operations and counter-terrorism efforts in northern Nigeria. It also comes in the wake of President Donald Trump’s order on Thursday authorising U.S. air strikes against ISIS militants operating in the region.
Tuggar stressed that the cooperation was conducted in line with established practices and bilateral agreements between Nigeria and its partners.
He said the collaboration includes intelligence sharing, strategic coordination and other forms of support, all carried out in accordance with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty and a shared commitment to regional and global security.
“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,” he said.
He added that terrorist violence in any form, whether targeted at Christians, Muslims or other communities, remains an affront to Nigeria’s values and a threat to international peace and security.
The minister assured that the Federal Government would continue to work closely with its partners through established diplomatic and security channels to weaken terrorist networks, disrupt their financing and logistics, prevent cross-border threats, and strengthen Nigeria’s security institutions and intelligence capabilities.
He noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would continue to engage relevant partners and keep the public informed through appropriate official channels.
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