US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has expressed gratitude to the Federal Government of Nigeria for its support and cooperation in the Christmas Day airstrikes that targeted Islamic State (ISIS) militants in Sokoto State, Northwest Nigeria.
In a public statement, Hegseth highlighted the collaborative effort, stating: “The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end.
“The Department of War is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight on Christmas. More to come. Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation. Merry Christmas.”
The precision strikes, which reportedly eliminated several ISIS fighters in known camps, were part of ongoing US-Nigeria security partnership aimed at countering terrorism in the region.
This acknowledgment comes shortly after the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed structured intelligence and security cooperation with the United States, emphasizing that such operations are conducted with full respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and in line with international law.
Source: Sokoto Airstrike: US Defense Secretary Thanks FG for Support, Cooperation
