The Federal Government has confirmed that recent United States airstrikes on Islamic State (IS) targets in northwest Nigeria were carried out at the request of Nigerian authorities, describing the operation as part of long-standing counterterrorism cooperation between both countries.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the strikes were “undertaken following formal engagement and with the full knowledge and coordination of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
“The Government of Nigeria wishes to clarify that the airstrikes conducted by the United States against Islamic State elements in parts of northwest Nigeria were carried out at the request of Nigerian authorities and in line with existing bilateral security cooperation frameworks,” the ministry said.
The statement stressed that Nigeria “remains firmly in control of all counterterrorism operations within its sovereign territory,” noting that international partners provide support only “where such assistance aligns with Nigeria’s national security objectives.”
According to the ministry, the airstrikes form part of Nigeria’s broader counterterrorism strategy aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities, disrupting logistics networks and protecting civilian populations from violent extremist threats.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to working with international partners to address terrorism, banditry and transnational criminal networks.
“The Federal Government will continue to work with trusted international partners to confront terrorism, banditry, and transnational criminal networks that threaten national and regional stability,” it said.
Addressing concerns about sovereignty, the ministry stated: “At no time was Nigeria’s sovereignty compromised. All actions were conducted with due respect for Nigeria’s laws, institutions, and command structures.”
The statement further cautioned against framing Nigeria’s security challenges in sectarian terms, stressing that extremist violence “has affected communities across religious and ethnic lines.”
Nigeria reiterated its commitment to a multi-layered security response combining military action, intelligence sharing, community engagement and socio-economic interventions, emphasising that counterterrorism efforts remain focused on protecting lives and restoring stability.
The confirmation followed earlier disclosures by United States officials that American forces had conducted precision strikes against Islamic State fighters operating in parts of Sokoto State, reportedly killing several militants and disrupting their activities.
The US Africa Command (AFRICOM) said the strikes targeted militant positions in Sokoto State and resulted in multiple fatalities.
US President Donald Trump described the operation as “powerful and deadly,” saying it was directed at Islamic State militants responsible for attacks on civilians.
While Trump emphasised the protection of Christians in Nigeria, Nigerian authorities have maintained that extremist violence affects communities of all faiths.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also warned on social media that “more to come” as part of sustained efforts against extremist groups.
