By Ashiadey Dotse
The Federal Government of Nigeria has confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the recent United States airstrikes against terrorist groups in the country’s North-West.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, said the operation was a joint effort between Nigeria and the United States, carried out with full respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Speaking on Channels Television on Friday, Mr. Tuggar explained that Nigeria provided intelligence for the strikes and worked closely with US officials before the operation was carried out. He said President Tinubu personally gave the go-ahead after discussions with American authorities.
According to the minister, the operation was carefully planned to ensure it did not target any religion. He stressed that Nigeria is a multi-religious country and the fight is against terrorism, not against any faith.
Mr. Tuggar revealed that he held several discussions with the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, before the strikes, including a final call shortly before the operation began. He said the approval was granted in the interest of protecting lives and property.
The US Department of Defense earlier announced that several ISIS terrorists were killed during the airstrikes, which took place in Sokoto State. US officials said the strikes were conducted in coordination with Nigerian authorities.
Although some critics have raised concerns about Nigeria’s territorial integrity, the Foreign Affairs Minister dismissed these claims, insisting the government would never allow any action that undermines the country’s sovereignty.
President Donald Trump also confirmed the strikes, describing them as successful operations against terrorists. However, Nigerian authorities have rejected claims that violence in the country is religiously motivated, saying victims come from different faiths.
The Federal Government says it will continue to work with international partners to tackle terrorism and ensure the safety of all Nigerians.
