Federal Government Explains Decision to Permit U.S. Airstrikes Against Terrorists in Nigeria
The Federal Government has provided an official explanation for its decision to permit United States forces to carry out airstrikes against terrorist elements operating in Nigeria’s North West region, confirming that the action was taken within the framework of established security cooperation between both countries.
The confirmation came in the early hours of Friday through a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The statement, signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Mr. Kimiebi Ebienfa, described the strikes as “precision airstrikes targeting terrorist positions” and emphasized that they were conducted as part of a structured collaboration between Nigeria and the United States to address persistent threats posed by terrorism and violent extremism.
According to the ministry, the cooperation between Nigeria and the United States is rooted in long-standing bilateral understandings and international security practices. It includes intelligence sharing, strategic coordination, and other forms of operational support that align with international law, mutual respect for national sovereignty, and shared commitments to regional and global peace and stability.
The Federal Government stated that the primary objective of allowing the U.S. strikes was the protection of civilian lives, preservation of Nigeria’s national unity, and the safeguarding of the rights and dignity of all citizens, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or background. It stressed that terrorism in any form poses a direct threat to Nigeria’s core values and undermines international peace and security.
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“Terrorist violence, whether directed at Christians, Muslims, or any other communities, remains unacceptable and stands in direct opposition to Nigeria’s values,” the statement noted. The government explained that the scale and persistence of terrorist activities in parts of the North West necessitated decisive action, including cooperation with international partners capable of providing advanced intelligence and operational support.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs further explained that the strikes were not an isolated event but part of broader efforts to weaken terrorist networks, disrupt their financing and logistics, and prevent the spread of cross-border threats. It added that while international assistance remains important, Nigeria is simultaneously focused on strengthening its own security institutions, intelligence capabilities, and counterterrorism frameworks.
In addressing concerns about sovereignty, the Federal Government reiterated that the cooperation with the United States was conducted under established diplomatic and security channels. It emphasized that Nigeria remains fully committed to maintaining control over its territorial integrity while engaging partners in ways that enhance, rather than undermine, national security.
“The Federal Government continues to work closely with its partners through established diplomatic and security mechanisms to ensure that counterterrorism efforts are effective, lawful, and aligned with Nigeria’s national interest,” the statement said.
The government also assured Nigerians that it would continue to keep the public informed through appropriate official channels, stressing the importance of transparency and public trust in matters relating to national security. It acknowledged public interest and concern surrounding the strikes and pledged ongoing engagement as efforts to address insecurity continue.
The development has sparked widespread reactions among Nigerians, with opinions sharply divided. While some citizens welcomed the strikes as a necessary intervention against entrenched terrorist groups, others questioned whether Nigeria truly had a choice in the matter and raised concerns about the long-term implications of foreign military involvement.
Security analysts note that the Federal Government’s statement seeks to frame the U.S. action not as an imposition, but as a collaborative response to a shared threat. They argue that the success of such cooperation will ultimately be measured by its impact on civilian safety, the reduction of terrorist activities, and Nigeria’s ability to build sustainable, homegrown security solutions.
As terrorism and banditry continue to challenge stability in parts of the country, the Federal Government maintains that international partnerships, when guided by law and national interest, remain a critical component of Nigeria’s broader strategy to restore peace and security.