THIS DAWN — Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently claimed that the precision airstrikes operation conducted in Sokoto State against terrorist targets were part of a joint security operation with the United States.
See the Ministry’s statement signed its Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, and dated Friday 26th, December 2025, below.
The Statement after the Operation
The statement entitled “Nigeria–United States Security Cooperation and Intelligence Collaboration Hits at Terrorist Targets in Nigeria” reads:
“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 Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to engage relevant partners and keep the public informed through appropriate official channels.”
The announcement has sparked debate across political, religious, and civil society circles, with critics questioning the legitimacy of foreign military involvement.
A closer look at official statements and historical precedent shows that Nigeria’s claim is accurate: the strikes were indeed coordinated between Nigerian and U.S. forces.
Verified Coordination Between Nigeria and the U.S.
Multiple credible sources have confirmed the collaborative nature of the December 25, 2025 operation:
- Foreign Affairs Ministry stated that the strikes were part of “structured security cooperation” involving intelligence sharing, strategic coordination, and mutual respect for sovereignty.
The ministry emphasized that all counterterrorism efforts are guided by the primacy of protecting civilian lives and upholding national unity.
- Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters (DHQ) clarified that the strikes were intelligence-driven and jointly executed, with clearance from relevant Nigerian authorities.
This confirmation underscores that the Nigerian military was not bypassed but actively engaged in the process.
- U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) also confirmed that the operation was conducted “in coordination with Nigerian authorities”.
AFRICOM stated that the operation specifically targeted ISIS-linked militants operating in the North West.
Together, these statements align with established bilateral protocols and reflect a deliberate effort to ensure legal and diplomatic legitimacy.
They leave little doubt that the operation was a joint effort rather than unilateral U.S. action.
Context and Strategic Implications of the Operation
The Sokoto strikes targeted ISIS-affiliated fighters, marking a significant escalation in Nigeria’s counterterrorism campaign.
The operation was described as a precision airstrike, designed to weaken terrorist networks while minimizing civilian harm.
This collaboration builds on earlier joint efforts.
In 2020, U.S. special forces rescued American hostage Phil Walton in Sokoto, an operation that also required Nigerian consent for airspace entry.
That mission highlighted the importance of coordination between the two countries and set a precedent for future joint actions.
Strategically, the December 2025 strikes demonstrate Nigeria’s willingness to leverage international partnerships to confront terrorism.
They also reflect U.S. interest in maintaining influence in West Africa following the loss of military bases in Niger earlier this year.
By working with Nigeria, Washington retains a foothold in the region while supporting a key African partner.
Addressing Misinformation and Criticism
Despite official confirmations, some critics have questioned the motives behind U.S. involvement.
Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi warned that foreign military presence could polarize Nigeria along religious lines.
He said that it may attract anti-U.S. forces, turning the country into a battleground.
He argued that if Nigeria requires external assistance, it should seek support from countries such as China, Turkey, or Pakistan instead.
While such concerns reflect broader anxieties about sovereignty and foreign influence, no credible evidence contradicts the official claim of joint coordination.
The Nigerian government has emphasized that the operation was lawful, strategic, and aligned with national interests.
Moreover, the framing of the strikes as part of structured cooperation suggests that Nigeria retains agency in decision-making rather than ceding control to external powers.
Implications for Governance and Security
The confirmation of joint operations carries several implications:
- Strengthened Bilateral Ties: Nigeria’s collaboration with the U.S. reinforces diplomatic and military ties, potentially opening avenues for further intelligence sharing and capacity building.
- Domestic Legitimacy: By publicly affirming its role in the strikes, Nigeria seeks to reassure citizens that sovereignty was respected and that the government remains in control of national security decisions.
- Regional Security: The operation signals to neighboring countries that Nigeria is willing to work with international partners to confront cross-border threats, potentially deterring terrorist networks from expanding their reach.
- Public Trust: Transparency in acknowledging joint operations helps counter misinformation and builds confidence in Nigeria’s counterterrorism strategy.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s claim that the December 25, 2025 airstrikes in Sokoto were part of a joint security operation with the United States is accurate.
Official confirmations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Defence Headquarters, and U.S. Africa Command all support this assertion.
While critics raise valid concerns about sovereignty, polarization, and foreign influence, the evidence clearly shows that the strikes were coordinated, lawful, and strategically aligned with Nigeria’s national interests.
The operation underscores the importance of international cooperation in combating terrorism and highlights Nigeria’s role as a central partner in regional security.
As Nigeria continues to confront complex threats from ISIS-linked militants and other extremist groups, the balance between external support and domestic sovereignty will remain a critical issue.
For now, the fact-check is clear: the Sokoto strikes were indeed a joint operation.
