The United States War Secretary, Pete Hegseth, has thanked the Nigerian government for its cooperation and support following coordinated military strikes against terrorist targets in Nigeria’s North-West region.
Hegseth expressed his appreciation during a meeting with a Nigerian delegation that visited the United States shortly after President Donald Trump designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern.” The meeting took place hours after Washington announced a major counterterrorism operation in the region.
According to reports, the strikes were carried out on Thursday as part of broader counterterrorism efforts by the US Department of War. Hegseth said the operation showed the department’s readiness to act decisively against extremist groups.
He noted that President Trump had earlier made clear the need to halt the killing of civilians, particularly Christians, in Nigeria and other parts of the world.
“The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end,” Hegseth said.
Acknowledging the role of Nigerian authorities, Hegseth said the cooperation received made the operation possible and warned that terror groups would continue to face consequences for violence.
“The Department of War is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight — on Christmas. More to come… Grateful for Nigerian government support and cooperation,” he stated.
The remarks highlight growing military collaboration between Nigeria and the United States amid increased international focus on insecurity in Nigeria’s North-West.
Earlier, the Nigerian government confirmed that President Bola Tinubu approved the United States airstrikes against terrorist targets in the region, dismissing claims that the action violated Nigeria’s sovereignty.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, said the airstrikes were carried out with Nigeria’s full knowledge and consent after consultations at the highest level of government.
He stated that President Tinubu personally authorised the operation as part of joint efforts to combat terrorism and protect lives and property.
Tuggar emphasised that the operation was a joint effort and not directed at any religion, stressing that Nigeria is a multi-religious society and security actions are not aimed at any faith group.
He rejected concerns that the strikes undermined Nigeria’s independence or territorial integrity, insisting they were conducted within the framework of international cooperation and mutual respect.
The clarification comes amid worsening security challenges in Nigeria’s North-West, where armed groups continue to attack communities, security personnel and critical infrastructure.
