Nigeria’s military authorities have said that recent airstrikes carried out in the North West region of the country show the Federal Government of Nigeria’s firm determination to eliminate terrorism, particularly through cooperation with international allies such as the United States of America.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria made this known through the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, who issued an official statement on Friday, 26 December 2025, from Abuja, Nigeria’s federal capital territory.
According to the military spokesperson, the air operations were conducted after credible intelligence was received and carefully analyzed, with the goal of weakening terrorist groups while avoiding harm to civilians and infrastructure.
Major General Uba explained that the strikes were approved by the appropriate national authorities and formed part of ongoing military efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and other criminal groups posing serious threats to Nigeria’s national security.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in conjunction with the United States of America, has successfully conducted precision strike operations against identified foreign ISIS linked elements operating in parts of North West Nigeria,” Uba said.
He added that the operation involved detailed planning to ensure that terrorist capabilities were reduced without unnecessary collateral damage, noting that the approach reflects Nigeria’s evolving counterterrorism strategy.
Okay News reports that the Defence Headquarters described the operation as a clear signal of Nigeria’s readiness to confront transnational terrorism, especially the growing presence of foreign fighters attempting to establish bases within the country’s borders.
Uba further stated that the action highlights the Federal Government of Nigeria’s continued collaboration with strategic international partners to prevent extremist groups from expanding their influence across the region.
“This action clearly demonstrates the unwavering resolve of the Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with strategic international partners, to confront transnational terrorism and prevent foreign fighters from gaining any foothold within our borders,” he said.
The military leadership also reassured Nigerians that the Armed Forces remain committed to protecting lives and property nationwide and will continue to support joint, inter agency, and international security efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace.
Earlier on Friday, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the country maintains structured security and intelligence cooperation with several international partners, including the United States, to address terrorism and violent extremism.
In a statement signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the ministry explained that the collaboration includes intelligence sharing, strategic coordination, and other lawful forms of support, all guided by respect for national sovereignty and international law.
The ministry emphasized that Nigeria’s counterterrorism actions are designed to protect civilians, preserve national unity, and uphold the rights of all citizens regardless of religion or ethnicity.
The statement followed remarks by United States President Donald Trump, the forty fifth and forty seventh President of the United States, who said on Thursday that American forces had carried out strikes against Islamic State terrorists in Northwestern Nigeria.
In a separate social media message, United States Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, stated that the operation was conducted with the cooperation of the Nigerian government and thanked Nigeria for its support.
The airstrikes occurred just one day after a deadly bomb attack at a mosque in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State in North Eastern Nigeria, which killed five people and injured several others in an incident authorities suspect was a suicide bombing.
The attack further underscores the persistent security challenges Nigeria continues to face despite sustained military efforts.
