US Christmas Day military strike in Sokoto a ‘Blessing’- First Lady Remi Tinubu
Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has described the United States’ Christmas Day military airstrikes against Islamist militants in Sokoto State as a “blessing,” saying the operation reflects growing security cooperation between Nigeria and the US.
Speaking in an interview with Fox News Digital, Mrs. Tinubu said the joint efforts demonstrate that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is open to deeper international partnerships to tackle insecurity.
She recalled that President Tinubu declared a state of emergency on insecurity on November 26, 2026, amid rising concerns over violence across the country. According to her, the declaration led to several measures aimed at strengthening national security.
Mrs. Tinubu said the President approved the recruitment of 50,000 additional police officers and 24,000 soldiers to bolster security operations nationwide. She also disclosed that 10,000 forest guards, previously unarmed, were authorized to carry arms to secure forests used as hideouts by terrorist groups, bandits, and kidnappers.
In addition, she noted that 11,566 police officers previously assigned to VIP protection duties were recalled and redeployed to insecurity hotspots, including Plateau, Benue, and Taraba states, as well as other vulnerable communities.
The First Lady said the federal government is aware of global concerns about safety in Nigeria and remains committed to protecting lives and property, stressing that freedom of religion is guaranteed by the country’s constitution.
She added that improving security is also critical to sustaining economic growth and attracting investors, noting that the administration is focused on addressing inherited challenges rather than blaming past governments.
According to Mrs. Tinubu, the government is willing to partner with countries that have Nigeria’s best interests at heart in order to effectively confront the nation’s security challenges.
