Nigeria has officially confirmed its security partnership with the United States following airstrikes on terrorist positions in Jabo village, Sokoto State, carried out on Christmas Day as part of joint efforts to counter violent extremism.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the operation resulted from structured cooperation and intelligence sharing between Nigeria and international allies, including the United States.
The ministry said the collaboration, which led to precise airstrikes on extremist hideouts, is guided by established international practices and bilateral commitments, and respects Nigeria’s sovereignty and international law.
The Foreign Affairs statement explained that the security teamwork includes intelligence exchange, strategic coordination and other forms of support designed to weaken extremist networks and disrupt cross-border threats. The government also reiterated that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism activities are focused on protecting civilian lives, safeguarding national unity, and upholding the rights and dignity of all citizens, regardless of religious affiliation.
On its part, the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed that the airstrike targeted identified elements of the Islamic State (ISIS) in northwest Nigeria at the request of Nigerian authorities, describing the action as part of ongoing efforts to degrade extremist activity in the region.
President Donald Trump also hailed the operation on his social media platform, calling it “powerful and deadly” and reiterating America’s commitment to tackling terrorist threats at home and abroad.
The development highlights a deepening security partnership between Abuja and Washington, as both countries seek to confront the growing threat from extremist groups expanding across parts of the Sahel and north-west Nigeria. Observers note that these strikes follow earlier warnings from the U.S. government about the escalating violence and its impact on civilian populations in the region.