US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has commended the Nigerian government for its support in a joint air operation that struck terrorist hideouts in the country’s North-West region on Thursday.
The strikes, executed on Christmas Day, formed part of a wider U.S.-coordinated military campaign aimed at weakening extremist networks active in the area.
Hegseth made the remarks after holding talks with a Nigerian delegation in the United States, shortly after President Donald Trump designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern.
In a statement shared on X, he said the mission underscored Washington’s resolve to confront terror groups and reaffirmed the importance of cooperation with partners in the fight against extremism.
“The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end.
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“The @DeptofWar is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight — on Christmas. More to come… Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation.”
In response to the incident, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Friday, affirming that the air operations were part of sustained measures to combat terrorism and violent extremism.
Spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said the strikes were carried out 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.”
Ebienfa noted 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.
“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 Federal Government continues to work closely with its partners through established diplomatic and security channels to weaken terrorist networks, disrupt their financing and logistics, and prevent cross-border threats, while strengthening Nigeria’s own security institutions and intelligence capabilities,” the statement read.
