News Investigators/ The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday confirmed that the Christmas Day military strike against terrorists in Sokoto, north west Nigeria, was a joint operation between the federal government and the United States.
President Donald Trump had announced via x-handle that he authorised a “powerful and deadly strike ” against ISIS operating in Nigeria.
The impact of the strike is yet to be ascertained as at press time.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar said there were telephone conversations between him and his American counterpart, Marco Rubio prior to the bombing that took place Thursday night.
Mr. Tuggar, who spoke on Channels Sunrise Daily, said the U.S got the nod of President Bola Tinubu before the military strike, dismissing insinuations of unilateral actions by the American.
Earlier, in a statement, the federal government announced that Nigeria and the 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 international partners, including the United States of America, in addressing the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism, This has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West,” it said.
“In line with established international practice and bilateral understandings, 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.
“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,” it added.
