Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of Nigeria
The Nigerian government has confirmed ongoing security and intelligence cooperation with the United States following reports of deadly US airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist targets in northwest Nigeria on Christmas night.
In a press release issued on Friday, December 26, 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Nigeria remains engaged in structured counter-terrorism collaboration with international partners, including the United States, to address the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism.
Watch as US launches deadly airstrikes in Nigeria on Christmas night
According to the statement, the cooperation conducted in line with international law and bilateral understandings has resulted in precision airstrikes against terrorist targets in Nigeria’s North West region.
“This cooperation 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 ministry stated.
The government emphasised that all counter-terrorism operations prioritise the protection of civilian lives, national unity and the rights of all citizens, regardless 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 statement added.
The ministry further noted that the Federal Government continues to work with its partners to weaken terrorist networks, disrupt financing and logistics, prevent cross-border threats and strengthen Nigeria’s own security and intelligence institutions.
It assured the public that further updates would be provided through official channels.
The statement was signed by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, ANIPR, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The government’s response follows the circulation of viral footage on social media purporting to show US airstrikes lighting up the night sky in northwest Nigeria on Christmas night.
The explosions were widely reported to have targeted ISIS militants accused of killing Christians in the region.
According to a statement attributed to the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), the airstrikes were carried out on December 25, 2025, in Sokoto State.
The operation was said to have been conducted at the direction of the President of the United States and the US Secretary of War and in coordination with Nigerian authorities.
AFRICOM indicated that the strikes specifically targeted ISIS terrorists operating in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, a report attributed to the US Department of War quoted President Donald Trump as saying the military action was prompted by attacks on Christians carried out by terrorists in Nigeria.
President Trump warned that additional strikes would follow if the violence continues.
“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,” the statement said.
He added that previous warnings to the militants had gone unheeded, prompting the military action.
NIGERIA-UNITED STATES SECURITY COOPERATION AND INTELLIGENCE COLLABORATION HITS AT TERRORIST TARGETS IN NIGERIA
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria confirms that Nigerian authorities remain engaged in structured security cooperation with… pic.twitter.com/qCNpygzKWh
— Government of Nigeria (@NigeriaGov) December 26, 2025
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