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By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Nigerian Armed Forces have reported the effective carrying out of targeted air strikes on recognized foreign ISIS-affiliated militant groups in areas of the Northwest, carried out in coordination with the United States.

In a statement issued on Friday, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, head of Defence Information, highlighted that the operation demonstrates the Federal Government’s strong dedication to eliminating cross-border terrorism.

“The Nigerian Armed Forces, along with the United States of America, has carried out targeted attacks on recognized foreign ISIS-associated groups in certain areas of North West Nigeria,” Uba stated.

He stated that the attacks were grounded in reliable information and careful preparation, aimed at greatly weakening the terrorists’ ability to operate while focusing on reducing unintended harm.

“This move clearly highlights the strong determination of the Nigerian Federal Government, working with key international allies, to tackle transnational terrorism and stop foreign militants from establishing a presence inside our country,” he added.

Uba emphasized the military’s commitment to defending Nigerian lives and assets, saying, “The Armed Forces of Nigeria is fully dedicated to protecting the lives and property of Nigerians and will keep supporting collaborative, inter-agency, and international initiatives aimed at bringing about long-term peace and security throughout the nation.”

The statement comes after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed, emphasizing continuous organized security and intelligence collaboration with global partners, such as the United States.

In a separate statement signed by spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the ministry highlighted that this collaboration, involving information exchange, strategic cooperation, and assistance in line with international law and mutual respect for sovereignty, has led to successful targeted operations against extremists in the Northwest.

The government emphasized that Nigeria’s approach to combating terrorism continues to prioritize safeguarding the lives of civilians, fostering national unity, and upholding the rights of every citizen irrespective of their religion or ethnic background.

The statement said, ‘Terrorist attacks on any religious or ethnic group continue to be a violation of Nigeria’s principles and global peace.’

These collaborative efforts occur against the backdrop of growing worries about the presence of foreign-backed extremists in the area, where banditry and rebellion have continuously threatened security. Authorities have stated that there were no civilian injuries from the attacks, which focused on established militant camps.