Tinubu Approved US Airstrikes on Terrorists in Sokoto but Gave Conditions — Foreign Minister

The Federal Government has confirmed that President Bola Tinubu approved United States airstrikes targeting terrorist camps in Nigeria’s North-West, but only after strict conditions were set by his administration.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, disclosed this on Friday, hours after the United States Department of Defense and President Donald Trump announced the coordinated military action.
According to Tuggar, the operation—carried out in parts of Sokoto State—was approved following high-level engagements between Nigerian and US authorities. He said President Tinubu insisted on conditions aimed at protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty, ensuring clear intelligence coordination, and avoiding civilian casualties.
The Foreign Minister explained that the strikes were directed strictly at identified terrorist enclaves responsible for persistent violence and insecurity in the North-West, stressing that Nigeria remains fully in control of its security architecture.
He added that the Tinubu administration remains open to international security cooperation, but such support must align with Nigeria’s national interest and operate under clearly defined rules of engagement.
The development comes amid renewed efforts by the Federal Government to dismantle terrorist networks and restore peace across affected communities.