The Federal Government has confirmed that Nigeria carried out a joint counter terrorism operation with the United States against terrorist targets in Sokoto State.
The confirmation was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kimiebi Ebienfa.
The statement said Nigeria remains engaged in security cooperation with international partners, including the United States, to address terrorism and violent extremism.
“Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria confirms that Nigerian authorities remain engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America, in addressing the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism. This has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West.
“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 ministry said all counter terrorism efforts were guided by the protection of civilian lives, national unity and the rights of all citizens.
“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. 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 that Nigeria would continue to work with partners to weaken terrorist networks and strengthen its own security institutions.
“The Federal Government continues to work closely with its partners through established diplomatic and security channels to weaken terrorist networks, disrupt their financing and logistics, and prevent cross-border threats, while strengthening Nigeria’s own security institutions and intelligence capabilities.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to engage relevant partners and keep the public informed through appropriate official channels.”
United States President Donald Trump had earlier said US forces carried out airstrikes against Islamic State fighters in northwestern Nigeria and warned of further attacks if the group continued killing Christians.
In a post on his Truth Social platform on Thursday, Trump said he ordered the strikes as commander in chief.
He wrote, “Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even centuries!
“I have previously warned these terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was.
“The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing.
“Under my leadership, our country will not allow radical Islamic terrorism to prosper.
“May God bless our military, and MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues.”
Trump did not mention Nigeria’s role in the operation.
However, US defence secretary Pete Hegseth said the action was carried out with Nigerian government support.
He wrote on X, “The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end.
“The @DeptofWar is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight — on Christmas.
“Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation. Merry Christmas!”
US Africa Command also confirmed the operation, saying several Islamic State fighters were killed in Sokoto State.
“At the direction of the President of the United States and the Secretary of War, and in coordination with Nigerian authorities, U.S. Africa Command conducted strikes against ISIS terrorists in Nigeria on Dec. 25, 2025, in Sokoto State,” the statement said.
