The Nigerian Government Discloses It Provided Intelligence for Recent Airstrikes as US Official Predicts of Additional Operations
Nigeria's foreign ministry has confirmed that it played a role in the US airstrikes conducted on December 25, as stated by the nation's foreign minister on Friday.
Former President Donald Trump had announced the strikes against ISIS militants in north-west Nigeria after spending weeks decrying the group for attacking Christians.
Extensive Consultations Preceded the Operation
Nigeria's foreign minister, Yusuf Tuggar, stated that he had held "lengthy" discussions with America's top diplomat Marco Rubio immediately prior to and following the attack.
He further added that Nigeria's president, Bola Tinubu, had approved for the military action. Tuggar left the door open for additional operations, describing them as an "continuous effort" that would also involve other countries.
"This operation had no connection to a particular religion," Tuggar insisted in an discussion with the BBC. "It is about targeting militants who have been killing Nigerians."
US Warns of More Strikes in Nigeria
Hours after the Christmas Day operation, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned of additional military actions against ISIS locations in north-western Nigeria.
Hegseth characterized the action as part of a mission to halt the killing of Christians, a position echoed by the former president. In a public statement, Hegseth stated, "The president was explicit... the murder of Christian civilians in Nigeria must cease. More to come..."
Political Reaction to the Military Action
The Christmas Day strikes were hailed by some supporters of the former president, 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 avenging the death of Christians," commented one prominent activist on a digital platform.
Key Points from the Revelations
- Cooperation: Nigeria actively provided crucial information for the American airstrikes.
- High-Level Approval: President Bola Tinubu gave the green light for the strikes.
- Continuous Effort: The operation is viewed as an "continuing mission" with the possibility of future actions.
- Non-Religious Aim: Nigerian officials strongly insist the targeting are focused on counter-terrorism, not religion.
- US Commitment: A senior US defense leader has indicated additional strikes are likely.
The situation highlights the complex military partnership between the West African nation and the US in combating militant groups in the region.
