UK Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has spoken openly in defence of the United States operation that led to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

She said her support was shaped by her childhood experience of military rule in Nigeria.

Badenoch described the US action as justified, arguing that it was driven by moral responsibility rather than political ambition.

She said living under authoritarian governments helped her understand why decisive action was taken against Maduro’s leadership in Venezuela.

Speaking during a BBC Radio broadcast interview on Tuesday, Badenoch linked her views directly to her early life in Nigeria.

According to her, the experience of growing up under military regimes left a lasting impression on her understanding of power, fear, and state control.

“Venezuela was a brutal regime. We didn’t even recognise it as a legitimate government,” she said. “I understand why America acted, and morally, I think it was the right thing to do.”

Badenoch was born in England in 1980 but spent her formative years in Lagos. During that period, Nigeria experienced a series of unstable governments. Three were military regimes, while one was a short-lived interim civilian administration.

She said those years exposed her to repression, uncertainty, and public silence enforced by fear.

She listed the military governments of Muhammadu Buhari, Ibrahim Babangida, and Sani Abacha as part of the era she lived through. She also referenced the brief interim government led by Ernest Shonekan.

According to her, these experiences shaped her political instincts and moral judgments.

“I grew up under military dictatorships, so I know what it’s like to have a ruler like Maduro in charge,” she explained. “I know what it’s like to see people celebrating while living under fear. I’m not condemning the US.”

The US operation involved special forces entering Caracas and removing Maduro from the country. He was later flown to New York, where he is expected to face drug-related charges. The move immediately sparked reactions across diplomatic and legal circles worldwide.

Several critics have questioned the legality of the operation under international law. They warned that such actions could weaken global norms and encourage other nations to bypass due process.

Others, however, argued that the move was necessary to end years of alleged repression and criminal activity linked to Maduro’s government.

Badenoch dismissed claims that the operation was reckless. She maintained that strong action is sometimes required when traditional diplomatic efforts fail. She added that living under authoritarian leadership often leaves citizens with little hope of change.