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The Federal Government of Nigeria has confirmed that the United States carried out airstrikes on terrorist targets in northwest Nigeria, citing intelligence cooperation and joint counter-terrorism efforts between both countries.
The confirmation follows an earlier announcement by U.S. President Donald J. Trump, who disclosed on his Truth Social platform that the U.S. military, acting under his authority as Commander in Chief, conducted what he described as “a powerful and deadly strike” against ISIS-affiliated terrorists operating in the region.
FG Confirms Intelligence-Led Operation
In a statement released late Tuesday, Nigerian government sources acknowledged that the airstrikes were conducted based on actionable intelligence shared between Nigerian security agencies and U.S. counterparts, targeting terrorist elements believed to be expanding operations in parts of northwest Nigeria.
According to the Federal Government, the strikes were part of broader international cooperation aimed at degrading terrorist networks threatening Nigeria’s security.
“The Federal Government can confirm that U.S. airstrikes were carried out on identified terrorist targets in northwest Nigeria following extensive intelligence collaboration,” a senior security official said. “The operation aligns with Nigeria’s ongoing counter-terrorism strategy and international partnerships.”
Trump’s Announcement
Earlier, President Trump announced the strikes on Truth Social, stating that the United States had taken decisive action against ISIS-linked fighters.
“Under my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States military carried out a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS-affiliated terrorists in northwest Nigeria,” Trump wrote.
He added that the operation demonstrated America’s resolve to confront terrorism wherever it emerges.
Terrorist Threat in Northwest Nigeria
While ISIS activity in Nigeria has traditionally been concentrated in the North-East through the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), security agencies have in recent years warned of terrorist infiltration into the northwest, a region already destabilised by banditry, kidnappings, and armed violence.
The Federal Government said intelligence reports indicated increasing links between extremist groups and criminal networks in the area, prompting heightened surveillance and cooperation with international partners.
“These groups are evolving, forming alliances, and exploiting ungoverned spaces,” the official said. “The objective is to prevent them from establishing a strong foothold.”
Nigeria–U.S. Security Cooperation
Nigeria and the United States have long maintained security cooperation focused on intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism training, logistics, and surveillance support. Direct U.S. airstrikes within Nigeria, however, are rare and considered highly sensitive.
Government officials stressed that Nigeria’s sovereignty was respected and that the operation was carried out in coordination with Nigerian authorities, following established protocols.
“This was not a unilateral action taken without Nigeria’s knowledge,” the official said. “It was the product of cooperation aimed at saving lives and weakening terrorist capacity.”
Public and Political Reactions
News of the confirmed U.S. airstrikes has sparked mixed reactions across Nigeria. Some citizens and security analysts welcomed the development, describing it as a strong signal that Nigeria is not alone in confronting terrorism.
Others, however, raised questions about transparency, civilian safety, and the long-term implications of foreign military involvement on Nigerian soil.
Security experts note that while airstrikes can degrade terrorist leadership and infrastructure, they must be complemented by ground operations, intelligence-led policing, and socio-economic interventions.
No Casualty Figures Yet
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Nigerian government nor U.S. authorities have released official casualty figures or details of specific locations targeted in the strikes.
The Federal Government said further briefings would be provided as assessments of the operation are completed.
A Developing Security Landscape
The confirmation of U.S. airstrikes marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, particularly as insecurity spreads beyond traditional conflict zones.
Officials reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to working with regional and international partners to prevent extremist groups from regrouping or expanding their influence.
Conclusion
The Federal Government’s confirmation of U.S. airstrikes on terrorist targets in northwest Nigeria, following President Trump’s announcement, underscores the growing role of international intelligence cooperation in addressing Nigeria’s complex security challenges.
As authorities assess the impact of the operation, attention will remain focused on how such collaborations can strengthen Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts while safeguarding national sovereignty and civilian lives.
This is a developing story.
