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The Armed Forces of Nigeria has said the recent airstrikes in the Northwest signal the Nigerian government’s firm resolve to combat terrorism in collaboration with the United States.
In a report by Punch News, the Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba said in a statement on Friday, in Abuja, that the operation was based on credible intelligence and targeted terrorist positions to degrade their operational capabilities while minimising collateral damage.
He hinted that the airstrikes were carried out with the approval of the appropriate authorities as part of sustained efforts to eliminate terrorists and other criminal elements threatening 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 Northwest Nigeria,” Uba said.
He stated, “The strikes followed credible intelligence and careful operational planning aimed at degrading the operational capabilities of the terrorists while minimising collateral damage.
“This action clearly demonstrates the unwavering resolve of the Nigerian government, in collaboration with strategic international partners, to confront transnational terrorism and prevent foreign fighters from gaining any foothold within our borders.”
The defence spokesman said the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains fully committed to protecting lives and property and would continue to support joint, inter-agency and international efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace and security across the country.
Earlier on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Nigeria continues to engage in structured security and intelligence cooperation with international partners, including the United States, to tackle terrorism and violent extremism.
The ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, explained that the collaboration involves intelligence sharing, strategic coordination, and other forms of support, conducted in line with international law, respect for sovereignty, and shared security commitments.
Ebienfa added that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts are guided by the need to protect civilian lives, safeguard national unity, and uphold the rights of all citizens regardless of faith or ethnicity, emphasising that terrorist attacks targeting any religious or ethnic group violate both Nigeria’s values and international peace.
The airstrikes came a day after a bomb attack on a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, which killed five people and injured dozens in what authorities suspect was a suicide bombing.
