The federal government has confirmed that recent United States airstrikes on ISIS targets in Sokoto State were carried out in collaboration with Nigerian security agencies.

In a statement on Friday, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the coordinated operation followed established international practice and bilateral understandings between Nigeria and the United States.

Ebienfa explained that the cooperation covers intelligence sharing, strategic coordination and other forms of support that align with international law, respect for national sovereignty and shared commitments to regional and global security.

The statement read, “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.

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“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.”