Pete Hegseth, the United States War Secretary, has commended the Nigerian government for its cooperation during a Christmas Day military operation that targeted terrorist hideouts in Sokoto State.

The operation formed part of a major U.S.-led offensive against terrorist groups in Nigeria’s North-West region.

He said the strikes sent a clear message that the U.S. Department of War remains prepared to confront terror threats.

“The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria and elsewhere must end,” Hegseth said. “The Department of War is always ready, so ISIS found out on Christmas. More to come. Grateful for Nigerian government support and cooperation.”

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Friday that the airstrikes were carried out as part of sustained efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism.

In a statement, the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said Nigeria continues to engage in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States, which resulted in precision airstrikes on terrorist targets in the North-West.

He explained that the collaboration involves intelligence sharing, strategic coordination, and other forms of support conducted in line with international law, respect for sovereignty, and shared commitments to regional and global security.

Ebienfa stressed that all counter-terrorism operations are guided by the protection of civilian lives, national unity, and the rights and dignity of all citizens, regardless of faith or ethnicity.

He added that the Federal Government remains committed to working closely with its partners to weaken terrorist networks, disrupt their financing and logistics, prevent cross-border threats, and strengthen Nigeria’s security institutions and intelligence capabilities.