We Won’t Reveal It” — Police Give Reason For Secrecy Over US Military Strikes In Nigeria

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has acknowledged receiving intelligence related to recent U.S. military strikes on terrorist targets in Sokoto State but says it will not make the details public.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, said the police were aware of aspects of the operation carried out on December 25, 2025, but would refrain from discussing them.

According to Hundeyin, the NPF is actively involved in intelligence gathering and sharing, but certain information must remain confidential. He explained that while the police have knowledge of the strikes, they have chosen not to comment on the specifics of the mission.

He added that although there was cooperation between Nigerian and U.S. security agencies, matters concerning the operation fall under the purview of the Ministry of Defence, which is better positioned to address them.

Meanwhile, the United States Department of Defense disclosed that the strikes resulted in the elimination of several ISIS-linked terrorists and were conducted at the request of the Nigerian government. U.S. President Donald Trump also confirmed the operation via his Truth Social account, describing the strikes as “perfect” and reiterating America’s commitment to combating radical Islamic terrorism.

Following the operation, the Nigerian government confirmed that it was a joint security effort approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, further emphasized that the collaboration with the U.S. was aimed solely at fighting terrorism and protecting lives, not targeting any religious group.

Tuggar noted that Nigeria is a multi-religious nation working with international partners to safeguard its citizens and their property. He also addressed concerns raised after the U.S. designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over allegations of religious persecution, stressing that the Nigerian government rejects claims of genocide against Christians in the country.