In a statement issued on Friday by its Coordinator, Nazif Bashi, ATIB acknowledged the reported military action and recognised the urgency of efforts aimed at combating terrorism in the region.
The Arewa Take-It-Back (ATIB) Movement has said that the United States must respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and prioritise civilian safety in carrying out its military counterterrorism operation against terrorists in Northwest Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Friday by its Coordinator, Nazif Bashi, ATIB acknowledged the reported military action and recognised the urgency of efforts aimed at combating terrorism in the region.
However, the group emphasised that such interventions must contribute to lasting stability and not undermine Nigeria’s national autonomy.
SaharaReporters earlier reported that on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025, President Donald Trump said the U.S. carried out what he described as “numerous precise strikes” against terrorists in northwest Nigeria, claiming they were responsible for mass killings of Christians.
Trump said the operation was conducted under his authority as Commander-in-Chief and targeted ISIS-linked fighters operating in parts of Nigeria that have suffered years of violence and insecurity.
According to Trump, the militants had been “viciously killing, primarily innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even centuries.” He added that he had previously warned the groups to stop the killings or face consequences.
The Nigerian government later confirmed, through the Minister of Foreign Affairs, that strikes had occurred in parts of northern Nigeria.
ATIB said it commends efforts to dismantle terrorist networks that continue to terrorise communities across the Northwest, noting that both Christians and Muslims have been victims of the violence perpetrated by extremist groups.
The group, however, warned that foreign military operations must be carried out in coordination with Nigerian authorities to avoid infringing on the country’s sovereignty.
According to the group, counterterrorism operations should be precise and carefully executed to minimise harm to innocent civilians and prevent the escalation of local tensions.
ATIB further maintained that military action alone is not sufficient to address the problem of terrorism.
The group called on the Nigerian government and regional stakeholders to strengthen local security frameworks, improve intelligence gathering, and enhance socio-economic resilience as part of a comprehensive approach to tackling insecurity.
“Arewa TIB stands firmly against terrorism in all its forms,” the group said, adding that while measures that neutralise threats to the people are welcome, such actions must protect lives, respect Nigeria’s sovereignty, and ensure long-term stability for affected communities.