Trump's Airstrike in Nigeria: Tinubu's Minister Gives More Updates, "I Spoke with US for 19 Minutes"
- The Federal Government confirmed that President Bola Tinubu approved US airstrikes on ISIS terrorist targets in Sokoto state
- US President Donald Trump, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and AFRICOM confirmed the strikes, releasing a video of the airstrike
- Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar noted that the strikes were part of an ongoing collaboration to combat terrorism and safeguard lives
Legit.ng's Muslim Muhammad Yusuf is a 2025 Wole Soyinka Award-winning journalist with over 8 years of experience in investigative reporting, human rights, politics, governance and accountability in Nigeria.
The Federal Government has confirmed that President Bola Tinubu approved the United States airstrikes against terrorist targets in Nigeria’s North-Western region.
The announcement came after the US Department of War and President Donald Trump disclosed the operation on Thursday, December 25.
Source: Twitter
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday, Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar said the President emphasised that the strikes must be executed as a joint operation and should not target any religion.
“Now that the US is cooperating, we would do it jointly, and we would ensure, just as the President emphasised yesterday before he gave the go-ahead, that it must be made clear that it is a joint operation, and it is not targeting any religion nor simply in the name of one religion or the other,” Tuggar stated.
He further highlighted Nigeria’s multi-religious composition, assuring that the government’s collaboration with international partners aims solely to combat terrorism and protect the lives and property of Nigerians.
“Some have viewed the strikes as a violation of the country’s territorial integrity, but the Federal Government would not take any actions that would violate our sovereignty. It is a collaboration, it is what we have been calling for,” Tuggar added.
Foreign minister provides more updates on the strike, says "I spoke with the US for 19 mins.
Watch the video below:
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US confirms strike on ISIS in Sokoto
On Thursday, the US Department of Defence said “multiple ISIS terrorists” were killed in the strikes, which were carried out at Nigeria’s request.
President Donald Trump described the operation on Truth Social, stating:
“The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing. Under my leadership, our Country will not allow Radical Islamic Terrorism to prosper. May God bless our Military, and MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead Terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues.”
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and US Africa Command (AFRICOM) also confirmed that the strikes were conducted “in coordination with Nigerian authorities.”
Hegseth added on X:
“The @DeptofWar is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight — on Christmas. More to come… Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation.”
Source: Original
FG confirms US military action in Nigeria
Legit.ng earlier reported that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the air strikes, describing them as “precision hits” conducted within the framework of existing security cooperation with international partners.
The ministry said in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa:
“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."
The ministry said the cooperation includes intelligence sharing, strategic coordination and other forms of support carried out in line with international law and respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty.
US releases video of Sokoto airstrike
Legit.ng earlier reported that the United States Department of War has released a video showing the aerial launching of the strike on the terrorist positions in the state, confirming a US-led military strike on identified ISIS-linked targets.
The video was shared on the department’s official X handle and was followed by a statement from former US President Donald Trump, who said the operation was carried out at his direction to neutralise terrorists allegedly responsible for attacks on Christians.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
