By Muhammad Mamman
— Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has described recent United States airstrikes targeting Islamist militants in Sokoto State as a “blessing”, signalling Abuja’s openness to expanded security cooperation with Washington amid worsening insecurity in the country’s northwest.
Speaking to Fox News Digital during a week-long visit to the United States, Tinubu said the Christmas Day strikes marked a positive step in the fight against armed groups operating across parts of northern Nigeria, where attacks by militants and criminal gangs have displaced thousands and strained local authorities.
Her remarks come as President Bola Tinubu’s administration seeks stronger international backing to confront escalating violence linked to extremist groups and bandit networks, particularly in Sokoto, Zamfara and Katsina states.
“The collaboration is welcome,” the First Lady said, indicating that Nigeria is prepared to deepen military and intelligence ties with the US under President Donald Trump, as Abuja pushes for more decisive global support against terrorism.
Tinubu’s visit to Washington also aimed to ease longstanding tensions between Nigeria and some US lawmakers, who have raised concerns over religious violence and the government’s handling of security in Africa’s most populous nation.
Relations between the two countries have been complicated in recent years by debates over arms sales and human rights, with US officials periodically criticising Nigeria’s military operations and civilian protection record.
However, Nigerian authorities argue that international partnerships remain crucial as security forces battle multiple threats, including Boko Haram and ISIL-linked factions in the northeast, alongside heavily armed bandit groups in the northwest.
Analysts say Tinubu’s comments reflect a broader shift by Abuja towards more assertive foreign engagement, as the government looks to rebuild strategic alliances and secure advanced support to stabilise restive regions.
Despite repeated military campaigns, violence continues to plague large swathes of northern Nigeria, underscoring the scale of the challenge facing President Tinubu’s administration as it approaches its second year in office.
