United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has commended the Nigerian government for its cooperation during coordinated airstrikes that targeted terrorist enclaves in Nigeria’s North-West.
The operation, carried out on Christmas Day, formed part of a broader U.S.-led military effort aimed at disrupting terrorist networks operating in the region.
Hegseth made the remarks after meeting a Nigerian delegation in the United States, shortly after Nigeria was designated a Country of Particular Concern by President Donald Trump. He said the strikes underscored Washington’s readiness to confront extremist violence.
“The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria must end,” Hegseth wrote on X. “The Department of War is always ready, so ISIS found out on Christmas. More to come. Grateful for Nigerian government support and cooperation.”
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the airstrikes on Friday, describing them as part of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts undertaken in collaboration with international partners.
The ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the operation was intended to protect lives and strengthen both national and regional security.
“Nigerian authorities remain engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States, to address the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism,” Ebienfa said, adding that the collaboration led to precision airstrikes on terrorist targets in the North-West.
He noted that the partnership is guided by bilateral agreements, intelligence sharing, and strategic coordination, in line with international law and respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Ebienfa stressed that all counter-terrorism actions are focused on protecting civilians and upholding the rights of all Nigerians, regardless of faith or ethnicity, while efforts continue to dismantle terrorist networks and prevent cross-border threats.