U.S. Christmas Day Airstrike in Nigeria a ‘Welcome Development,’ First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Says as She Seeks Deeper Security Ties

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has called for expanded security cooperation with the United States, describing a U.S. Christmas Day airstrike against suspected Islamist militants in northwest Nigeria as a positive step and signaling that Abuja hopes for further American involvement.

Speaking during a week-long visit to Washington, D.C., Tinubu told Fox News Digital that the strike was “quite a welcome development” and said Nigeria was looking to strengthen collaboration with the U.S. on security matters.

“We are expecting that there will be more,” she said.

Her comments come at a time of tension between Nigeria and some U.S. lawmakers over violence affecting Christian communities, an issue that has gained traction in American political debates.

President Donald Trump previously designated Nigeria a “country of particular concern” for violations of religious freedom, a classification rejected by both Oluremi Tinubu and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The Nigerian government maintains that the violence destabilising parts of the country is not confined to a single religion.

Earlier this year, gunmen believed to be Islamic extremists killed at least 162 people in Kwara State, attacking villages and targeting residents who rejected extremist ideology, including Muslims.

“Terrorist groups hide in the forest, and also bandits and other people are kidnapping for ransom,” the First Lady said, stressing the government’s concern for citizens’ safety.

She cited measures introduced by the administration, including a nationwide security emergency, plans to recruit 50,000 new police officers, and the redeployment of more than 11,000 officers from VIP protection duties to conflict-prone areas.

Tinubu acknowledged that U.S. focus on Christian killings had prompted more engagement between the two countries.

“We have that attention. We have the conversation going,” she said, adding that the dialogue could benefit both nations.

The U.S. airstrike she referenced took place on Christmas Day and targeted militant networks in northwest Nigeria, a region increasingly affected by banditry and extremist activity. U.S. officials said the operation aimed to disrupt groups responsible for attacks on civilians and security forces.

The strike was notable as a rare instance of direct U.S. military action inside Nigeria. It triggered debate locally over sovereignty and foreign involvement, while underscoring the scale of Nigeria’s security challenges.

The Tinubu administration has also faced scrutiny over its use of U.S. lobbying firms to counter claims that Nigeria is experiencing what some American lawmakers have described as a “Christian genocide.”

Reports indicate that Nigeria approved contracts worth up to $9 million with U.S.-based lobbyists to influence policymakers and address what officials describe as a distorted narrative about religious persecution.

In December 2025, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu reportedly signed a $750,000-per-month agreement with the lobbying firm DCI to engage the Trump administration. Separately, another $9 million contract was approved with a different U.S. firm for similar purposes. Nigerian businessman Matthew Tonlagha also entered into a separate arrangement with the firm Valcour aimed at improving relations between Abuja and Washington.

These lobbying efforts coincide with U.S. congressional hearings examining allegations of widespread attacks on Christians in Nigeria, with some lawmakers warning that failure to address the issue could deepen religious divisions.