Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has confirmed that the United States’ recent airstrike on terrorist targets in Nigeria’s North-central region was carried out with Nigeria’s full knowledge, intelligence support, and formal approval.
Speaking on Channels Television on Friday, Tuggar said the operation followed extensive coordination between both governments and formed part of an ongoing counter-terrorism partnership. His comments came a day after US authorities publicly acknowledged the strike.
Nigeria Provided Intelligence, Gave Clearance
According to the minister, Nigerian security agencies supplied the intelligence that guided the operation. He disclosed that he held detailed discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, after which President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was consulted and gave the final authorization.
Tuggar explained that both governments also agreed on how the operation would be communicated publicly, to make clear that the strike was strictly targeted at terrorist elements and not driven by religious or political motives.
Part of Long-Standing Security Cooperation
The foreign minister described the airstrike as a product of sustained security collaboration between Nigeria and the United States, stressing that Nigeria has consistently sought international partnerships to address terrorism, banditry, and violent extremism.
He said the Tinubu administration remains open to working with any country willing to help curb insecurity, regardless of the identity of the victims or the ideology claimed by attackers.
“Not About Religion,” Tuggar Insists
Addressing concerns raised in some quarters, Tuggar emphasized that the operation had no religious dimension, noting that its sole objective was the protection of innocent lives.
He added that discussions with US officials took place both before the strike was authorized and immediately before it was executed, underscoring the level of coordination involved.
US Confirms Operation
Earlier, Punch newspaper reported that US President Donald Trump confirmed the strike on Thursday, stating that it targeted suspected terrorist groups operating within Nigeria. US officials reportedly said the action was based on shared intelligence and conducted in close coordination with Nigeria’s government.
The report also recalled that months earlier, Trump had warned that Washington could take action against extremist groups in Nigeria following repeated attacks, including violence affecting civilian communities.
Government Sees Vindication
Tuggar described the operation as a validation of the Tinubu administration’s security approach, arguing that it demonstrates the government’s willingness to act decisively and collaborate internationally to stem the loss of innocent lives.
He concluded that the strike sends a clear signal of Nigeria’s commitment to combating terrorism and strengthening global partnerships to restore security across the country.
Source: Africa Publicity
