The development comes as
Nigeria continues to grapple with a worsening wave of insecurity and insurgency
that has drawn growing international concern and prompted direct cooperation
with the United States.
Former US President Donald
Trump on Thursday announced that American forces had carried out airstrikes in
North-West Nigeria, claiming that several Islamic State (ISIS) militants were
killed during the operation.
Trump made the disclosure
via a post on Truth Social, stating that the strikes targeted terrorists he
accused of killing “innocent Christians.” He said the operation was authorised
by him in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the United States.
“Tonight, at my direction as
Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike
against ISIS terrorist scum in North-West Nigeria, who have been targeting and
viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many
years, and even centuries,” Trump wrote.
The Nigerian government
later confirmed the strikes, stressing that the operation was conducted in
collaboration with Nigerian security authorities.
In a statement issued on
Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Nigeria remains actively engaged
in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the
United States, to address the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism.
“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’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi
Ebienfa, said.
“This has led to precision
hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North-West,” the
statement added.
Tinubu Orders Attack Helicopters, Backs
State Police
Meanwhile, President Bola
Tinubu has disclosed that the Federal Government has ordered four attack
helicopters from the United States to strengthen Nigeria’s counter-insurgency
operations.
Speaking on Friday during a
meeting with a delegation of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by
its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, at his Lagos residence, Tinubu said the
helicopters would arrive in the country “soon.”
He noted, however, that
delays in the delivery of military hardware were affecting public perception of
the administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity.
“Our orders for four attack
helicopters from the United States of America will take some time to arrive. We
have also approached Turkey for assistance,” the President said.
Tinubu also reiterated his
administration’s commitment to the establishment of community and state
policing, explaining that it would become a reality once the National Assembly
completes the necessary legislative processes.
“Community and State Police
will be a reality once the National Assembly completes the required legislative
inputs. Military hardware is difficult to replace; it is expensive and not
available off the shelf,” he added.
The President assured
Nigerians that the Federal Government remains resolute in its efforts to
restore peace and security across the country, despite the guerrilla tactics
employed by bandits and insurgents.
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