The Nigerian Government Reveals It Supplied Intelligence for Recent Military Strikes as Defense Secretary Predicts of Additional Operations
The Nigerian government has confirmed that it provided crucial intelligence in the US airstrikes conducted on December 25, according to the country's foreign minister on Friday.
Former President Donald Trump previously declared the aerial attacks against ISIS fighters in north-west Nigeria after spending weeks criticizing the group for targeting Christian communities.
Detailed Consultations Preceded the Operation
Nigeria's top diplomat, Yusuf Tuggar, explained that he had held "extensive" phone conversations with America's top diplomat Marco Rubio immediately prior to and following the attack.
He further added that Nigeria's president, Bola Tinubu, had given the "go-ahead" for the military action. Tuggar did not rule out additional operations, describing them as an "continuous effort" that would also involve other countries.
"This operation had no connection to a specific faith," Tuggar insisted in an discussion with the BBC. "It is about attacking terrorists who have been killing Nigerians."
US Warns of More Actions in Nigeria
Hours after the initial strikes, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth cautioned of more strikes against Islamic State targets in the region.
Hegseth described the strikes as part of a mission to halt the targeting of Christian individuals, a position reiterated by the ex-commander in chief. In a public statement, Hegseth wrote, "He was explicit... the murder of innocent Christians in Nigeria must cease. More to come..."
Political Reaction to the Airstrikes
The Christmas Day strikes were hailed by certain political allies of the ex-leader, who had been calling for a strong military reaction to the attacks against Christians.
"I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Christmas than by responding to the killings of Christians," posted one well-known activist on a digital platform.
Main Takeaways from the Revelations
- Cooperation: Nigeria actively provided crucial information for the American operation.
- Presidential Authorization: President Bola Tinubu personally authorized the strikes.
- Ongoing Process: The campaign is described as an "continuing mission" with the possibility of more strikes.
- Non-Religious Aim: Nigerian officials strongly insist the strikes are solely about combating militants, not religion.
- American Stance: A senior US defense leader has indicated further strikes are likely.
The situation underscores the complex security cooperation between the West African nation and the US in combating militant groups in the region.
