Nigeria Confirms US Airstrikes on Sokoto Was Conducted at Nigerian Government Request

The Federal Government has confirmed that recent United States airstrikes on Islamic State (IS) positions in northwest Nigeria were carried out at the request of Nigerian authorities, describing the operation as part of long-standing counterterrorism cooperation between both countries.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the strikes followed formal engagement with Washington and were conducted with the full knowledge and coordination of the Nigerian government.

“The Government of Nigeria wishes to clarify that the airstrikes conducted by the United States against Islamic State elements in parts of northwest Nigeria were undertaken at the request of Nigerian authorities and in line with existing bilateral security cooperation frameworks,” the ministry said.

The statement stressed that Nigeria remains fully in control of all counterterrorism operations within its territory, noting that international partners provide support only where it aligns with Nigeria’s national security objectives.

According to the ministry, the airstrikes form part of a broader strategy aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities, disrupting logistics networks and protecting civilian populations from violent extremist threats.

Responding to concerns about national sovereignty, the ministry said no aspect of Nigeria’s authority was compromised during the operation, adding that all actions were carried out with due respect for the country’s laws, institutions and military command structures.

The Foreign Ministry also cautioned against framing Nigeria’s security challenges in sectarian terms, stressing that extremist violence has affected communities across religious and ethnic lines.

“Nigeria’s counterterrorism response remains focused on protecting lives and restoring stability, regardless of faith or ethnicity,” the statement said, adding that efforts combine military action, intelligence sharing, community engagement and socio-economic interventions.

The confirmation follows earlier disclosures by US officials that American forces had conducted precision strikes on Islamic State fighters operating in parts of Sokoto State, reportedly killing several militants and disrupting their operations. The US Africa Command said the strikes were carried out in coordination with Nigerian authorities.

US President Donald Trump described the operation as “powerful and deadly,” saying it targeted militants responsible for attacks on civilians. While Trump highlighted the protection of Christians, Nigerian authorities have reiterated that extremist violence in the country affects people of all religions.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also indicated that further action may follow, warning on social media that there was “more to come” in the fight against extremist groups.