By Adesakin Adefemi
Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar disclosed on Friday, December 26, 2025, that Nigeria provided the intelligence that enabled the recent U.S. airstrike against terrorist targets in the country and formally approved the operation.
Speaking on Channels Television, Tuggar said he held two phone conversations with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio a 19‑minute discussion before the strike and a five‑minute call shortly before it commenced after which President Bola Tinubu gave his go‑ahead.
He emphasized that the strike was a result of ongoing security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, not motivated by religion, and aimed solely at protecting innocent lives.
Tuggar added that the Tinubu administration views the operation as a vindication of its counter‑terrorism strategy.
U.S. Africa Command confirmed the strike occurred in Sokoto state, targeting Islamic State militants and killing multiple ISIS terrorists.
A Pentagon official said the operation was conducted “with the government of Nigeria to carry out these strikes,” underscoring the joint nature of the efforts.
President Donald Trump announced the operation on Thursday via Truth Social, claiming “powerful and deadly strikes against ISIS terrorist scum in northwest Nigeria.” The U.S. military’s Africa Command released footage showing at least one projectile launched from a warship.
Nigerian defence officials affirmed that the Nigerian Armed Forces collaborated with U.S. forces based on credible intelligence and meticulous planning to degrade terrorist capabilities while minimizing collateral damage.
Tuggar addressed sovereignty concerns, asserting that Nigeria’s territorial integrity remains intact and that the joint operation was framed as a strike against terrorism, not linked to any religion.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians, regardless of faith.
The strike is being viewed as part of a broader, ongoing counter‑terrorism partnership between Nigeria, the U.S. and other international actors, with officials indicating that further joint actions may follow depending on future assessments.
The Ministry of Defence announced a review of existing joint operational procedures to improve coordination and information sharing between Nigerian security agencies and foreign partners. This review will also assess the impact of external strikes on local communities and humanitarian efforts.
Civil society groups have called for transparency regarding the strike’s civilian impact and urged authorities to release an independent investigation report.
Human rights organisations emphasise the importance of accountability to maintain public trust in security collaborations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it will continue to engage relevant partners and keep the public informed through official channels as developments unfold, stressing that all counter‑terrorism efforts are guided by the protection of civilian lives, national unity, and respect for the rights and dignity of all citizens.
