Nigeria government confirms US strikes part of coordinated security effort
The Nigerian government has confirmed that recent US airstrikes targeting Islamist militant groups in northwestern Nigeria were carried out as part of a coordinated security partnership with Washington, rather than unilaterally.
In a statement Friday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa explained that the bilateral arrangement encompasses intelligence sharing, strategic planning, and “other forms of support” consistent with international law and respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty.
US President Donald Trump announced the strikes on Christmas Day, targeting Islamic State (IS) affiliates, including Boko Haram, following weeks of criticism over Abuja’s alleged failure to address violence against Christians. Trump did not provide specific details on the strikes’ impact in Sokoto state. US Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed that the operations were coordinated with Nigerian authorities, with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth signaling that further strikes are planned.
Last month, Nigeria rejected claims that Christians were being specifically targeted, stating that insecurity affects citizens of all faiths, and reiterated that foreign assistance must respect its sovereignty.
In an interview, presidential spokesman Daniel Bwala said Nigeria welcomes the US strikes, emphasizing that they were carried out in partnership with Abuja’s government.
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