Pete Hegseth, U.S. War Secretary, has thanked the Nigerian government for the support rendered during the decimation of terror targets on Thursday night.
The U.S. launched a major military operation against terrorists in the North-West region.
Hegseth, who met with the Nigerian delegation that visited US after President Donald Trump declared Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern, said the terrorists found out that his department “is always ready”.
“The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end.
“The @DeptofWar is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight — on Christmas. More to come… Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation.”
In a statement on Friday morning, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the airstrikes were launched as part of efforts to address the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism.
Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson of the Ministry, said the action was taken to protect lives.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria confirms that Nigerian authorities remain engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America, in addressing the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism. This has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West.”
“In line with established international practice and bilateral understandings, this cooperation includes the exchange of intelligence, strategic coordination, and other forms of support consistent with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty, and shared commitments to regional and global security.
“Nigeria reiterates that all counter-terrorism efforts are guided by the primacy of protecting civilian lives, safeguarding national unity, and upholding the rights and dignity of all citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity. 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 Federal Government continues to work closely with its partners through established diplomatic and security channels to weaken terrorist networks, disrupt their financing and logistics, and prevent cross-border threats, while strengthening Nigeria’s own security institutions and intelligence capabilities,” the statement read.