The Federal Government has confirmed ongoing security and intelligence cooperation between Nigeria and the United States following airstrikes that hit terrorist targets in Nigeria’s North West.

“This has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West.”

In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signed by spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, said Nigerian authorities remain engaged in “structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America,” to address terrorism and violent extremism in the country.

The ministry said the collaboration, which led to precision airstrikes on terrorist targets, involves intelligence sharing, strategic coordination and other forms of support in line with international law, respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and shared security commitments.

“Nigeria reiterates that all counter-terrorism efforts are guided by the primacy of protecting civilian lives, safeguarding national unity, and upholding the rights and dignity of all citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity,” the statement said.

It added that terrorist violence, “whether directed at Christians, Muslims, or other communities, remains an affront to Nigeria’s values and to international peace and security.”

The statement followed comments by United States President Donald Trump, who said on Thursday that US forces had carried out deadly strikes against Islamic State terrorists in Northwestern Nigeria.

“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

He added, “The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing.”

Trump warned that further attacks would follow if the killing of Christians continued, saying, “If they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was.”

In a separate social media post, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Washington acted with Nigeria’s cooperation.

“Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation,” Hegseth wrote, adding that the Department of War was “always ready.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Nigeria would continue to work with its partners through established diplomatic and security channels to weaken terrorist networks, disrupt their financing and logistics, and prevent cross-border threats.

The airstrikes came a day after a bomb attack on a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, killed five people and injured dozens in what authorities suspect was a suicide bombing.

The ministry said it would keep the public informed through appropriate official channels.

Members of Nigeria’s Super Eagles squad that finished second at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have officially received their national honours certificates as well as title documents for houses and land allocations promised by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The presentation took place on December 22, 2025, at the team’s hotel in Fez, Morocco, ahead of the Super Eagles’ opening match of the new AFCON qualifying campaign.

President Tinubu had pledged the rewards following Nigeria’s runners-up finish at the 2023 AFCON tournament held in Côte d’Ivoire in January and February 2024.

The brief ceremony was led by Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, and attended by several dignitaries, including the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Abdul Ningi; Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Hon. Kabiru Amadu; Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale; President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau; Senior Special Assistant to the President, Mrs. Nathan-Mash; Nigerian High Commission officials; and Mallam Saleh Amadu, among others.

Speaking at the event, Dikko clarified that most players were awarded the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON).

However, Ahmed Musa and Victor Osimhen received the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), having previously been conferred with the MON.

Team captain William Troost-Ekong was awarded the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in recognition of his emergence as Player of the Tournament at AFCON 2023.

Dikko confirmed that all national honours, housing allocations in Abuja or Lagos, and land grants in Abuja approved by President Tinubu had been fully processed, with allocation letters issued in line with the President’s commitment to rewarding excellence and national service.

He also disclosed that similar rewards approved for the Super Falcons and Nigeria’s men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, have been processed. Title documents for houses and national honours certificates are ready for collection, while the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation are finalising the direct payment of the cash awards — equivalent to $100,000 per player — into the beneficiaries’ bank accounts.

The development highlights a renewed focus on structured athlete welfare and accountability, as the Super Eagles shift attention back to their on-field responsibilities in the ongoing AFCON qualification campaign.

The United States Department of Homeland Security has announced a limited-time programme aimed at encouraging undocumented migrants to voluntarily leave the country during the holiday season.

Migrants who register to self-deport through the CBP Home app by the end of the year will receive a $3,000 stipend, in addition to a free flight to their home country, DHS said in a statement Monday.

Participants will also qualify for forgiveness of any civil fines or penalties related to failure to depart the United States.

According to DHS, approximately 1.9 million undocumented migrants have voluntarily left the country since January 2025, with tens of thousands using the CBP Home programme.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the holiday incentive as a temporary increase.

“Since January 2025, 1.9 million illegal aliens have voluntarily self-deported, and tens of thousands have used the CBP Home programme.

“During the Christmas season, the US taxpayer is so generously tripling the incentive to leave voluntarily for those in this country illegally—offering a $3,000 exit bonus, but just until the end of the year,” the statement read.

Noem added a warning for those who do not take part. “Illegal aliens should take advantage of this gift and self-deport because if they don’t, we will find them, we will arrest them, and they will never return,” she said.

The programme, called “Project Homecoming,” was established in May 2025 under a presidential proclamation issued by former President Donald Trump.

DHS initially offered $1,000 and a free flight to those willing to self-deport. Funding for the programme comes from $250 million originally allocated to resettle refugees, repurposed by the State Department.

DHS described the CBP Home app process as fast and free. Migrants simply download the app, submit their information, and DHS arranges and covers the cost of travel.

The department also warned that individuals who do not participate could face arrest, deportation, and permanent restrictions on returning to the United States.