...Federal government emphasised that the protection of civilians remains the cornerstone of its counter-terrorism operations.
ABUJA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | The Federal Government on Friday affirmed that Nigeria is engaged in formal security collaboration with international partners, including the United States, in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism, following recent airstrikes on terrorist locations in the North West.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday morning, the government said the strikes were the outcome of sustained intelligence sharing and strategic coordination with its partners.
According to the Ministry, the partnership has enabled precise air operations against terrorist targets in parts of the North West. It noted that the cooperation is conducted in line with international best practices and bilateral agreements, encompassing intelligence exchange and coordinated strategies, while fully respecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and international law.
The statement read in part: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria confirms that Nigerian authorities continue to engage in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America, to confront the ongoing threat of terrorism and violent extremism.
“In accordance with established international norms and bilateral understandings, this cooperation involves intelligence sharing, strategic coordination and other forms of support consistent with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty and shared commitments to regional and global security.”
The Federal government emphasised that the protection of civilians remains the cornerstone of its counter-terrorism operations.
“Nigeria reiterates that all counter-terrorism efforts are guided by the need to protect civilian lives, preserve national unity and uphold the rights and dignity of all citizens, regardless of faith or ethnicity,” the statement added.
It further stressed that terrorist attacks against any group are unacceptable.
“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 Ministry said.
The Ministry also disclosed that Nigeria continues to collaborate with its partners to degrade terrorist networks, cut off their funding and logistics, prevent cross-border threats, and strengthen national security and intelligence capabilities.
It assured that engagement with relevant partners would continue and that the public would be kept informed through official channels.
The confirmation comes amid reports that the United States plans to provide additional support to northern states to enhance surveillance, security operations and counter-terrorism efforts following the recent military action.
Subsequently, the United States announced that President Donald Trump had authorised airstrikes on Christmas night against ISIS-linked militants operating in North West Nigeria, accusing the group of carrying out deadly attacks on Christian communities.
