The United States War Secretary, Pete Hegseth, has expressed appreciation to the Nigerian government for its cooperation following military strikes on terrorist targets in Nigeria’s North-West region.
The strikes followed a major US-led operation against terrorist groups in the area. Hegseth made the remarks after meeting a Nigerian delegation that visited the United States shortly after President Donald Trump designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern.
According to Hegseth, the operation sent a clear message to terrorist groups about the readiness of the US Department of War. He said President Trump had previously stated that the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria and other parts of the world must come to an end, adding that the recent action demonstrated the US government’s resolve. He also thanked the Nigerian government for its support and cooperation.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Friday that the airstrikes were part of ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism in the country.
In a statement issued by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the government said the action was aimed at protecting lives and weakening terrorist networks.
The ministry stated that Nigeria remains engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States, to address persistent security threats. According to the statement, this collaboration has resulted in precision airstrikes on terrorist targets in the North-West.
It added that the cooperation is conducted in line with international law and bilateral agreements, and includes intelligence sharing, strategic coordination and other forms of support that respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and shared commitments to regional and global security.
The ministry further emphasized that all counter-terrorism efforts are guided by the need to protect civilians, preserve national unity and uphold the rights and dignity of all citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity. It noted that terrorist violence against any community, whether Christian, Muslim or others, runs contrary to Nigeria’s values and poses a threat to international peace and security.
The statement concluded that the Federal Government will continue to work closely with its partners through diplomatic and security channels to weaken terrorist groups, disrupt their financing and logistics, prevent cross-border threats and strengthen Nigeria’s security and intelligence institutions.
