What Tinubu said about US strikes in Nigeria
The Nigerian government has confirmed that President Bola Tinubu approved US military strikes against terrorists in the country’s Northwest.
The strikes, announced by the US, were carried out as a joint operation between both nations.
Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar explained that the collaboration aims to fight terrorism and protect lives and property in Nigeria.
He added that the operations are not directed at any religion and are part of a coordinated effort with international partners.
“It was Nigeria that provided intelligence for the US strike in Nigeria. I spoke with the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, for 19 minutes before the strike, and we agreed to talk to President Tinubu for his go-ahead, and he gave it.
“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.
“We are a multi-religious country, and we are working with partners like the US to fight terrorism and safeguard the lives and properties of Nigerians,” the minister said.
Some critics have raised concerns that the strikes could breach Nigeria’s territorial integrity, but the government assured that all actions respect the country’s sovereignty.
Tuggar described the mission as a collaborative step, reflecting the federal government’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism with support from allies.
The attacks were carried out in Sokoto state as part of a planned operation using intelligence shared by Nigeria.
The operation follows earlier US preparations to act against Islamist militant groups in Nigeria.
Both Nigerian and US authorities said the strikes were carefully planned and precision-based.
Further actions may occur depending on decisions by the leadership of the two nations.
Despite claims circulating abroad about attacks targeting Christians, Nigerian officials and human rights groups say terrorism in the country affects people of all faiths.
Jihadist groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province have been responsible for many deaths over the past decade, with victims from multiple religious communities.
The Nigerian government reaffirmed its commitment to religious tolerance while working with international partners to address violent extremism.
The US Department of Defence released footage of missile launches, reflecting the coordinated nature of the operation.
