The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that recent joint air operations conducted by Nigerian and United States military forces against Islamic State (ISIS) elements in North-West Nigeria were carried out with the full approval of the appropriate Federal Government authorities.
This was disclosed on Friday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, in a statement titled “Armed Forces of Nigeria in Conjunction with the United States Conduct Precision Strikes Against Foreign ISIS Elements in North-West Nigeria.”
According to Major General Uba, the operation was part of ongoing coordinated efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and other criminal groups posing significant threats to Nigeria’s national security.
He explained that the strikes were based on credible intelligence and followed detailed operational planning, aimed at degrading the terrorists’ operational capabilities while minimizing collateral damage.
The defence spokesman noted that the joint action underscores the Federal Government’s collaboration with strategic international partners, to confront transnational terrorism and prevent foreign fighters from establishing or expanding operational footholds within Nigeria.
He added that the collaboration reflects Nigeria’s commitment to addressing evolving security threats through coordinated, lawful, and intelligence-driven military action.
Major General Uba reaffirmed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property, stressing that the military will continue to support joint, inter-agency, and international efforts to restore lasting peace and security across the country.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria reiterates its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property and to supporting joint and inter-agency efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace and security across all parts of the country,” the statement read.
The air strikes followed weeks of heightened concern from the United States government, which had accused ISIS and affiliated extremist groups of escalating violent attacks against Christian communities in northern Nigeria, particularly in Sokoto State near the Niger border.
White House officials have described the violence as reaching levels “not seen for many years,” while in early November, U.S. President, Donald Trump reportedly directed the Pentagon to prepare for possible action should Nigeria fail to do more to protect vulnerable religious communities.
