Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has described the U.S. military airstrikes carried out on Christmas Day against Islamist militants in Sokoto State as a “blessing,” signaling Nigeria’s openness to deeper security cooperation with the United States.
Speaking with Fox News Digital during a week-long visit to the U.S., Tinubu welcomed the intervention, describing it as timely support in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against insurgent groups and armed criminal networks.
“The intervention by the U.S. was a welcome development,” she said, noting that Nigeria is seeking deeper security cooperation with Washington. “Nigeria is looking forward to collaboration with the United States on security issues, and we expect that there will be more.”
The airstrikes have since sparked debate within U.S. political circles, particularly in light of Nigeria’s earlier designation as a “country of particular concern” over religious freedom—an assessment the Tinubu administration has strongly disputed.
Speaking on the broader security challenges, Tinubu explained: “Terrorist groups hide in the forests, alongside bandits and others who kidnap people for ransom. We are deeply concerned about the safety of our people.”
She highlighted steps taken by the federal government, including the declaration of a security emergency, plans to recruit 50,000 additional police officers, and the redeployment of more than 11,000 officers from VIP protection duties to high-risk areas.
Responding to international criticism over attacks on Christian communities, she said Nigeria is engaging actively with its partners. “We have their attention and the conversation is ongoing. We expect that this engagement will continue and yield better outcomes—for us and for the United States,” she said.
Tinubu added that she used her meetings with U.S. officials to explain Nigeria’s on-the-ground realities. “We live in Nigeria, and we understand the situation as it truly is,” she noted.
She also linked improved security to economic growth, stressing that the government is working to create a safe environment for investors. “We are doing everything possible to ensure that when investors come, they feel secure and confident that their investments will thrive,” she said.
