ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The United States has confirmed that recent airstrikes carried out against Islamic State (IS)-linked jihadist groups operating in northern Nigeria were conducted with the full approval of the Nigerian government.
A Pentagon official disclosed this on Friday, affirming that the military operation was not unilateral but authorised by Nigerian authorities.
“The Department of War worked with the government of Nigeria to carry out these strikes. These strikes were approved by the government of Nigeria,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
However, the Pentagon did not clarify whether Nigerian military forces were directly involved in the execution of the strikes or if the operation was limited to intelligence sharing and authorisation.
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The confirmation follows days of speculation and public debate after the US announced that it had launched targeted air operations against jihadist elements believed to be affiliated with the Islamic State in parts of northern Nigeria.
The development has sparked mixed reactions within Nigeria, with some stakeholders welcoming the collaboration as a necessary step in combating terrorism, while others have raised concerns over sovereignty, transparency, and the extent of Nigeria’s operational role in the strikes.
The US disclosure aligns with earlier statements by Nigerian officials indicating that the Federal Government had approved and coordinated the counterterrorism action as part of broader security cooperation between both countries.
The strikes come amid renewed international attention on insurgent activities in Nigeria’s northern regions, where jihadist and bandit groups have continued to pose security challenges despite sustained military operations.