Following the announcement made by the president of the United States (US), Donald Trump, that precision airstrikes were conducted by the US against terrorists in Nigeria, authorities in Nigeria have confirmed this development, noting it targeted terrorist targets in the northwest of Nigeria.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement issued on Friday by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, stated that the US airstrikes were part of bilateral agreements and international practice, which includes “the exchange of intelligence, strategic coordination, and other forms of support consistent with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty, and shared commitments to regional and global security.”
The statement further reads as follows: “Nigeria reiterates that all counter-terrorism efforts are guided by the primacy of protecting civilian lives, safeguarding national unity, and upholding the rights and dignity of all citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity.
“Terrorist violence in any form, whether directed at Christians, Muslims, or other communities, remains an affront to Nigeria’s values and to international peace and security.
“The Federal Government continues to work closely with its partners through established diplomatic and security channels to weaken terrorist networks, disrupt their financing and logistics, and prevent cross-border threats, while strengthening Nigeria’s own security institutions and intelligence capabilities.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to engage relevant partners and keep the public informed through appropriate official channels.”
Donald Trump had disclosed the success of the attacks on Thursday via a social media post, saying, “Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even centuries!”
Recall that Trump had earlier stated that the US was planning military action against terrorists in Nigeria, alleging that the terrorists were carrying out a genocide against Christians in Nigeria.
According to reports, the airstrikes were conducted on ISIS terrorists located in Sokoto State, but the number of neutralized targets is still unknown.
More details later.