By Abiola Olawale
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has stated that the Christmas Day strikes conducted by the United States in Nigeria were a “blessing” for the nation’s security.
Speaking with Fox News during a diplomatic visit to Washington, D.C., the First Lady said the strikes have been able to unite Nigeria and the US in the fight against insecurity.
She added that the US strikes in Nigeria were “a blessing” because they led to her recognition by US President Donald Trump.
She said: “It was quite a blessing. You know, whatever is happening. Who would have thought, as you said, that President Trump recognized me?
“Who would have thought that would happen, to even say the least. So, when you look at that, you know, I’m getting global recognition in all of it, and that is what life is all about.
“If something is going to be good, it will come from the rubble.
Responding to claims by some US lawmakers that a “Christian genocide” is ongoing in Nigeria, the First Lady said the government had used engagements in Washington to clarify realities on the ground.
“We’ve been able to educate them more about the situation on the ground. We live in Nigeria. We know that this is a democracy,” she said, noting that political narratives often shape international perceptions.
Mrs Tinubu said the administration inherited both economic and security challenges but has initiated reforms aimed at long-term stability.
According to her, President Bola Tinubu has replaced service chiefs as part of efforts to recalibrate the security architecture. She disclosed that the government has approved the recruitment of 50,000 additional police officers and 24,000 soldiers to strengthen manpower nationwide.
She further revealed that 10,000 forest guards, previously unarmed, have now been authorised to bear arms to secure forested areas often used as hideouts by terrorists and bandits.
In addition, 11,566 police officers who had been assigned to VIP protection duties have been recalled and redeployed to flashpoints across the country, including Plateau, Benue, and Taraba states.
“We hear what the world is saying. We are concerned about our people’s safety. Nigeria is a country that encourages freedom of religion, and that is entrenched in our Constitution,” she said.
