Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reaffirmed the country’s readiness to deepen military and security cooperation with the United States in the fight against terrorism and armed banditry, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
Speaking during an official visit to the United States, Mrs. Tinubu welcomed the recent U.S. airstrikes on terrorist enclaves in Sokoto State, describing the action as timely and reassuring for a nation grappling with persistent insecurity. She noted that the strikes, carried out on Christmas Day, brought a sense of relief to many Nigerians who have endured years of deadly attacks.
According to her, Nigeria values the intervention and hopes it signals the beginning of broader collaboration between both countries in tackling security threats. “The intervention of the U.S. was quite a welcome development,” she said in an interview with Fox News Digital. “Nigeria is looking forward to collaboration with the U.S. on security issues, and we are expecting that there will be more.”
The First Lady also attended the U.S. National Prayer Breakfast during her week-long stay in Washington, D.C., where she met former U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump, who ordered the airstrikes, has previously stated that the United States would continue military operations if terrorist groups persist in attacking civilians, particularly Christian communities. He described the Christmas Day operation as a goodwill gesture toward Nigeria and emphasized his administration’s stance against allowing extremist groups to gain ground.
The airstrikes marked the first known direct U.S. military action on Nigerian soil and come amid ongoing efforts by the Nigerian government to curb insurgency, terrorism, and banditry that have claimed thousands of lives across the country.
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Mrs. Tinubu stressed that while Nigeria remains committed to addressing its internal security challenges, international partnerships—especially with allies like the United States—are crucial in restoring peace and stability.