The Federal Government has confirmed United States drone strikes on terrorist target in Sokoto state, Nigeria.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, disclosed this in a statement on Friday by Kimiebi Ebienfa, Spokesperson of the Ministry.
The minister explained that Nigeria is engaged in Structural Security Cooperation with International Partners, including the United States to tackle terrorism and violent extremism.
“The Ministry confirms that Nigerian authorities engaged in Structured Security Cooperation with International Partners, including the U.S. 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,” Tuggar said.
It will be recalled that the U.S. government had earlier confirmed it would send additional support to boost surveillance, security operations and counter-terror efforts in the northern part of Nigeria.
This is against backdrop of President Donald Trump’s order on Thursday of the U.S. air strikes against ISIS militants operating in the Northwest of Nigeria.
Tuggar reiterated the cooperation to be in line with established practice and bilateral understandings.
This, according to him, includes the exchange of Intelligence, Strategic Coordination and other forms of support consistent with International Law, mutual respect for sovereignty and shared commitment 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 Christian’s, Muslims or other communities remains an affront to Nigeria’s values and to international peace and security.”
He said that the Federal Government would continue to work closely with its partners through established diplomatic and security channels, to weaken terrorist networks.
He said this would also disrupt the terrorists financing and logistics, and prevent cross-border threats, while strengthening Nigeria’s own security institutions and intelligence capabilities.
“The ministry will continue to engage relevant partners and keep the public informed through appropriate official channels,” he said.
