Secretary of War Hails Nigerian Cooperation in Counterterrorism Airstrikes

Secretary of War Hails Nigerian Cooperation in Counterterrorism Airstrikes

United States Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, has praised the Nigerian Government for its cooperation during coordinated airstrikes targeting terrorist enclaves in North-West Nigeria on Christmas Day. The operation was part of a broader US-led counterterrorism campaign aimed at dismantling terror networks in the region.

Hegseth made the remarks after meeting a Nigerian delegation in the United States, following Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern by President Donald Trump. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Hegseth said the strikes sent a clear message to extremist groups about Washington’s readiness to act:

“The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end. The @DeptofWar is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight — on Christmas. More to come… Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation.”

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Reacting to the strikes, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to counter terrorism and violent extremism. Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa emphasized that the action was taken to safeguard lives and strengthen national and regional security.

Ebienfa explained that the operation reflects structured security cooperation between Nigeria and international partners, including the United States, involving intelligence sharing, strategic coordination, and other support mechanisms in line with international law and bilateral agreements.

She noted that all counter-terrorism measures are guided by the protection of civilian lives, safeguarding national unity, and upholding human rights, stressing that terrorist violence against any community—whether Christian, Muslim, or other—remains unacceptable.

The ministry further stated that Nigeria continues to collaborate with its partners to weaken terrorist networks, disrupt financing and logistics, prevent cross-border threats, and strengthen domestic security institutions and intelligence capabilities.

Secretary of War Hails Nigerian Cooperation in Counterterrorism Airstrikes