Read the official position of the Federal Government regarding the US military operation in Northwest Nigeria. 'The US and Nigeria are on the same page.'

ABUJA — Following the confirmation of US airstrikes against ISIS targets in Sokoto State, the Federal Government of Nigeria has issued statements confirming its collaboration with the Trump administration.

Contrary to speculation about a violation of sovereignty, officials in Abuja have clarified that the operation was a coordinated effort involving intelligence sharing and strategic alignment.

Below is a compilation of the official responses and statements from the Nigerian Presidency and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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Statement from the Presidency

Daniel Bwala, Special Advisor to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Affairs, addressed the press shortly after the strikes were announced:

"The United States and Nigeria are on the same page in the fight against terrorism. This was not a unilateral action but a product of deep partnership. We have always maintained that terrorism is a global threat requiring a global response. President Tinubu remains committed to rooting out insecurity by all means necessary."

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Clarification

The Ministry confirmed that the diplomatic channels were fully engaged prior to the operation.

"The Federal Republic of Nigeria confirms cooperation with the United States regarding air interdictions against identified terrorist cells in the Northwest region. > > These strikes targeted specific elements of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) that have terrorized communities and posed a threat to regional stability. Nigeria remains a sovereign nation that chooses its partners in the war against terror. We reiterate our commitment to upholding the rights of all citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity, and ensuring the safety of our territory."

Defense Headquarters (DHQ)

While a detailed operational briefing is expected later, a high-ranking military source speaking on anonymity confirmed the coordination:

"AFRICOM does not operate here without clearance. Targets were verified by our intelligence assets on the ground to minimize collateral damage. The target was a high-value gathering of ISWAP commanders."

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Analysis: The government's swift endorsement of the strikes suggests a strategic pivot. Faced with persistent security challenges in the Northwest, the Tinubu administration appears willing to leverage direct US firepower, even at the risk of domestic political backlash regarding sovereignty. This alignment with the Trump administration's "peace through strength" approach marks a significant chapter in US-Nigeria relations.