…restates position on civilian protection
By Gloria Ikibah
The Federal Government has confirmed that ongoing security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States has resulted in successful precision air strikes against terrorist targets in parts of the North West. 
In a statementsigned by the Ministry’s Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, on Friday, in Abuja, the government stated that Nigerian authorities remain actively engaged with international partners to confront the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism.
The Ministry explained that the collaboration follows established international practices and bilateral agreements, focusing on intelligence sharing, strategic coordination and other lawful forms of support.
According to the statement, “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.”
The ministry restated Nigeria’s position on civilian protection, and emphasised that counter-terrorism operations are guided by respect for human rights and national unity.
“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”, he said.
The Federal Government further promised that it will continue to collaborate with international partners to dismantle terrorist networks, cut off their funding and logistics, and prevent cross-border threats, while strengthening domestic security and intelligence capacity.
It therefore assured the public of continued engagement with relevant partners and pledged to provide updates through official channels.
“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 further reads.
