Nigeria has confirmed that it provided actionable intelligence and formally approved recent United States airstrikes on terrorist targets within its territory. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, disclosed that the operation was carried out with the full authorisation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as a coordinated security effort between Abuja and Washington.
According to Tuggar, Nigerian and U.S. authorities were in close communication ahead of the strikes, with intelligence sharing forming a critical part of the mission. He revealed that he personally held last-minute discussions with top U.S. officials shortly before the operation commenced, underscoring Nigeria’s direct involvement and consent rather than any unilateral foreign action.
The Federal Government stressed that the strikes were part of structured security cooperation aimed at combating terrorism and violent extremism threatening national stability. Tuggar emphasised that Nigeria’s sovereignty was not compromised, noting that the operation was jointly executed and not targeted at any religion, but against armed terrorist groups endangering civilians.
The development has sparked national and international debate, particularly following comments by U.S. officials framing the strikes in religious terms. Nigerian authorities, however, insist the action aligns with broader counter-terrorism objectives and signal that further collaboration with international partners may continue as the government intensifies efforts to dismantle terrorist networks across the country.