First Lady Remi Tinubu praised recent US airstrikes against terrorists in the country’s north as a “blessing,” while calling on President Donald Trump to authorize additional operations to bolster security.
Speaking at the National Prayer Breakfast, Tinubu expressed optimism about enhanced bilateral ties in combating extremism.84af94 “Nigeria is looking forward to collaboration… We are expecting that there will be more,” she said.
When questioned specifically on the Christmas Day bombardments in Sokoto state, she added: “It was quite a blessing.”
The strikes, the inaugural direct US military engagement on Nigerian soil, targeted insurgent strongholds following intelligence surveillance flights that began in November.6c7bff Trump, who ordered the action, framed it as a symbolic “gift” underscoring Washington’s resolve against global terrorism.
In January, the US leader had vowed sustained interventions if attacks on Christian communities persisted, warning: “I’d love to make it a one-time strike, but if they continue to kill Christians, it will be a many-time strike.”
Tinubu’s remarks come against a backdrop of strained relations, with Trump previously branding Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu’s administration as “a disgrace.”
In response, Abuja reportedly invested in Republican lobbying efforts to mend perceptions in the US capital.
Northern Nigeria has long grappled with banditry and jihadist violence, displacing millions and claiming thousands of lives annually. The US involvement signals a potential shift in international support for Nigeria’s counter-insurgency campaigns, though details on civilian impacts from the strikes remain unclear.
