The United States Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, has commended the Nigerian Government for its cooperation in coordinated air strikes that targeted terrorist enclaves in Nigeria’s North-West on Thursday.
The operation, carried out on Christmas Day, formed part of a broader US-led military action aimed at dismantling terror networks operating in the region. The strikes were described as precision attacks designed to weaken extremist groups and disrupt their activities.
Hegseth expressed his appreciation after meeting a Nigerian delegation in the United States, coming shortly after Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern by President Donald Trump. In a post on X, he said the operation sent a strong signal to extremist groups about Washington’s readiness to act against terrorism.
“The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end,” Hegseth wrote. “The @DeptofWar is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight — on Christmas. More to come… Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation.”
Reacting to the development, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement on Friday morning confirming that the air strikes were part of ongoing efforts to counter terrorism and violent extremism.
The ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the action was taken to safeguard lives and strengthen national and regional security.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria confirms that Nigerian authorities remain engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America, in addressing the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism,” Ebienfa stated. “This has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West.”
He added that the collaboration aligns with global best practices and existing bilateral agreements.
“In line with established international practice and bilateral understandings, this cooperation includes the exchange of intelligence, strategic coordination, and other forms of support consistent with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty, and shared commitments to regional and global security,” the statement said.
Ebienfa stressed that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts are guided by the protection of civilians and respect for human rights.
“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. Terrorist violence in any form—whether directed at Christians, Muslims, or other communities—remains an affront to Nigeria’s values and to international peace and security,” he said.
The ministry further noted that the Federal Government would continue to work closely with international partners through established diplomatic and security channels to weaken terrorist networks, disrupt their financing and logistics, prevent cross-border threats, and strengthen Nigeria’s security institutions and intelligence capabilities.
