Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, arrived in Washington, D.C., this week to discuss security cooperation with U.S. officials and address concerns about violence across Nigeria. A former senator and ordained pastor, Mrs Tinubu praised America’s Christmas Day airstrike on Islamist militants in northwest Nigeria as a “blessing” and welcomed continued U.S. help in combating armed groups and criminal gangs.
Speaking to the press, Mrs Tinubu said the strike showed that Nigeria and the U.S. could work together to confront shared security threats. “Nigeria is looking forward to collaboration… we are expecting that there will be more,” she said.
Her visit comes amid debate in the United States over violence against Christian communities in Nigeria. Some U.S. lawmakers have labelled Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” for religious freedom. The Tinubu administration rejects this label, stressing that insecurity affects all Nigerians, not only Christians, and stems from multiple causes including terrorism, banditry, communal conflict, and disputes over resources.
During her meetings with senior U.S. officials and members of Congress, Mrs Tinubu emphasized the complex nature of Nigeria’s security challenges. “We live in Nigeria. We know the situation on the ground,” she said. “Violence does not target only one religion. Extremists attack both Christians and Muslims, and criminals exploit weak security in some areas.”
Nigeria faces a range of armed threats. In the northeast, Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have carried out mass killings, kidnappings, and raids. In the northwest, smaller militant groups and bandits operate in forested areas near the Niger border. These groups often attack villages, kidnap civilians for ransom, and destroy property, spreading fear among local communities.
The human toll of violence remains high. In Kwara State earlier this year, suspected militants killed at least 170 people in attacks on several villages, burning homes and looting property. Meanwhile, security forces rescued 166 church worshippers kidnapped in Kaduna State, showing that government efforts can succeed but require careful coordination and resources.
Mrs Tinubu said the U.S. focus on attacks against Christians has helped open a dialogue with Nigeria. “We have that attention. The conversation is going. We are expecting that it will yield better results for Nigeria and for America,” she said.
The Nigerian government has introduced several measures to improve security. These include a nationwide security emergency, plans to recruit 50,000 new police officers, and the redeployment of 11,000 officers from VIP protection duties to conflict-prone areas. Officials say these steps aim to protect civilians, strengthen local law enforcement, and improve the fight against armed groups and criminal gangs.
Mrs Tinubu also explained that some foreign reports oversimplify the causes of violence. Government officials argue that attacks affect both Muslims and Christians, and that local disputes over land, resources, and ethnic differences contribute significantly to insecurity. “Nigeria’s security challenges are complex. Solutions require careful planning and cooperation,” she said.
Her visit also highlighted economic concerns. Nigeria’s large population of over 230 million people and its abundant natural resources, including oil, lithium, cobalt, and nickel, have attracted U.S. attention. These minerals are critical for global technology supply chains, and Nigeria’s government is seeking foreign investment to develop its mining and energy sectors. Mrs Tinubu linked improved security to economic growth. “We are doing everything we can to make sure that investors feel safe and can see returns on their investments,” she said.
As a Christian leader married to a Muslim president, Mrs Tinubu brings a unique perspective to discussions on faith and security. She hosts a Christian podcast and leads the Renewed Hope Initiative, a nonprofit that supports vulnerable communities. Her role highlights the importance of religious understanding in peacebuilding and public policy in Nigeria.
Analysts note that lasting security improvements in Nigeria will require cooperation between the government, local communities, and international partners. The combination of military engagement, intelligence sharing, and political dialogue is crucial to confronting Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other criminal networks.
Despite political debate, both Nigeria and the United States appear committed to deepening security cooperation. Mrs Tinubu’s Washington visit signals that Nigeria is open to working with international partners while maintaining control over its domestic policies. Her message to U.S. lawmakers was clear: Nigeria is serious about security, but solutions must be realistic and comprehensive.
The First Lady also highlighted the broader social impact of insecurity. Violence disrupts education, commerce, and daily life, and worsens poverty. By improving safety, Nigeria hopes to create better conditions for economic development and social stability. This approach, she argued, benefits both Nigerian citizens and foreign investors seeking opportunities in the country.
Mrs Tinubu’s trip coincides with ongoing U.S. debate over religious freedom in Nigeria. While some American observers focus narrowly on attacks against Christians, Mrs Tinubu stressed that Nigeria’s government addresses insecurity for all citizens. “Our priority is protecting every Nigerian, regardless of faith or region,” she said.
Security experts in Nigeria warn that the situation remains fragile. Militants adapt quickly, and local bandit groups exploit weak law enforcement in remote areas. Analysts say the deployment of additional police officers and cooperation with the U.S. military could help reduce violence if sustained over the long term.
The First Lady concluded her remarks by calling for continued dialogue and support. “Nigeria welcomes partners who can help us build a safer nation. We want solutions that work, not quick fixes. With collaboration, we can reduce violence, protect civilians, and create hope for the future,” she said.
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