By LEVI JOHNSON
February 9, 2026 | Abuja/Washington – Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has described the recent U.S. Christmas Day airstrike against Islamist militants in northwest Nigeria as a “blessing” and called for deeper collaboration on security issues between Abuja and Washington.
Her comments come amid ongoing debates in the United States over violence against Christian communities in Nigeria, a topic that has drawn heightened political attention in recent years.
First Lady Praises U.S. Military Action
During a week-long visit to Washington, D.C., Tinubu welcomed America’s intervention targeting militants and criminal gangs in northwest Nigeria. Speaking with Fox News Digital, she said:
“The intervention of the U.S. was quite a welcome development. Nigeria is looking forward to collaboration with the U.S. on security issues. We are expecting that there will be more.”
She emphasized that Nigeria seeks stronger cooperation with U.S. authorities to counter terrorism and banditry, underscoring that the airstrike represents a positive step toward protecting civilians and restoring stability in conflict-affected regions.
Violence in Nigeria Draws U.S. Attention
Tinubu’s remarks come amid persistent disagreements between Nigerian officials and some U.S. lawmakers regarding religiously motivated violence. In 2025, President Donald Trump designated Nigeria a “country of particular concern” over alleged religious freedom violations, a label rejected by Tinubu and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who stressed that the country’s security challenges are not confined to any single religious group.
Earlier this year, attacks by suspected Islamic extremists in Kwara State killed at least 162 people, including residents from both Muslim and Christian communities who resisted extremist ideologies.
“Terrorist groups hide in the forest, and also bandits and other people are kidnapping for ransom. We are concerned about our people’s safety,” Tinubu said, highlighting the government’s nationwide security emergency and plans to recruit 50,000 additional police officers.
Expanding U.S.-Nigeria Security Cooperation
The Christmas Day airstrike marked one of the rare instances of direct U.S. military involvement inside Nigeria. Officials said the operation aimed to disrupt militant networks responsible for attacks on civilians and security forces, as jihadist activity expands beyond Nigeria’s northeast.
Tinubu said the airstrike has opened a crucial dialogue with Washington about Nigeria’s security realities:
“We live in Nigeria. We know the situation on the ground. We have that attention.
The conversation is ongoing, and we are expecting more—it will yield better results for both Nigeria and the United States.”
Her visit included meetings with senior U.S. administration officials to explain the country’s security dynamics, particularly the growing threats from bandits and insurgents in northern and northwest Nigeria.
U.S. Lobbying Efforts Amid Religious Violence Claims
Amid international scrutiny, President Tinubu’s administration has spent millions of dollars on U.S.-based lobbying firms to address claims of “Christian genocide” in Nigeria. Reports indicate contracts totaling $9 million were approved to influence U.S. policymakers and counter narratives portraying Nigeria as a center of religious persecution.
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu reportedly signed a $750,000-per-month agreement with U.S. firm DCI in December 2025. Additionally, Nigerian billionaire Matthew Tonlagha engaged lobbying firm Valcour to improve Abuja’s relations with Washington.
These efforts coincide with congressional hearings in the United States exploring widespread attacks on Christians in Nigeria, highlighting the growing international focus on Nigeria’s security and religious dynamics.
Looking Ahead
With the First Lady calling for more U.S. involvement, Nigeria anticipates closer collaboration with Washington to tackle terrorism, banditry, and insurgent activity. Analysts say the combined focus on both security operations and diplomatic engagement could mark a turning point in addressing the country’s persistent security challenges.
“The dialogue with the U.S. is just beginning, but it promises better outcomes for our people and the broader region,” Tinubu concluded.
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