Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has described recent U.S. intervention in Nigeria’s security challenges as a “blessing” and said the country expects deeper cooperation with the United States, according to a report by TheCable.
Speaking in an interview with Fox News Digital in Washington, D.C., Tinubu said the attention brought by international involvement — including airstrikes carried out on Christmas Day — was a positive development in highlighting Nigeria’s insecurity and reform efforts.
“It was quite a blessing. Who would have thought that President Trump would recognise me? Even to say the least, it was unexpected,” she told the U.S. media outlet.
Tinubu linked the recognition and collaboration to broader conversations on Nigeria’s security situation and ongoing reforms, saying such engagement could lead to better outcomes for both Nigeria and its international partners.
She also addressed criticisms from some U.S. lawmakers about insecurity and alleged attacks against specific groups in Nigeria, emphasising that the government is actively tackling violence and working with global partners to clarify the situation on the ground.
The Christmas Day airstrikes referenced in the interview marked some of the first direct U.S. military action in Nigeria, carried out following allegations from U.S. officials that the government was not doing enough to protect certain communities from violence.
Mrs Tinubu highlighted measures the federal government has taken to address insecurity, including recruiting additional police and military personnel and redeploying officers to volatile regions.
Her comments come amid heightened debate over foreign involvement in Nigeria’s internal security, with analysts noting the balance between seeking international support and maintaining national sovereignty remains a sensitive issue.