United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has commended the Nigerian Government for its support and collaboration during coordinated airstrikes against terrorist hideouts in Nigeria’s North-West on Thursday.
The strikes, conducted on Christmas Day, were part of a wider US-led military campaign designed to disrupt and dismantle terror networks operating in the area.
Hegseth made the remarks after holding talks with a Nigerian delegation in the United States, coming shortly after Nigeria was designated a Country of Particular Concern by President Donald Trump. In a post on X, he said the operation underscored Washington’s determination to confront extremist groups.
“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.”
In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Friday morning confirming that the airstrikes were part of sustained measures to combat terrorism and violent extremism.
According to the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the action was undertaken to protect lives and reinforce both national and regional security.
Ebienfa said,
“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. This has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West.”
He added that the partnership is consistent with international standards 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.
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.”
The statement further emphasized that the Federal Government remains committed to working with international partners through established diplomatic and security frameworks to weaken terrorist groups, disrupt their funding and logistics, prevent cross-border threats, and enhance Nigeria’s own security institutions and intelligence capacity.