The Nigerian Government Confirms It Furnished Intelligence for US-Led Airstrikes as US Official Warns of Additional Operations
The Nigerian foreign ministry has confirmed that it provided crucial intelligence in the American military operation conducted on Christmas Day, as stated by the nation's foreign minister on Friday.
Former President Donald Trump previously declared the strikes targeting Islamic State militants in north-west Nigeria after spending weeks decrying the organization for targeting Christians.
Detailed Consultations Preceded the Operation
Nigeria's top diplomat, Yusuf Tuggar, explained that he had engaged in "lengthy" phone conversations with America's top diplomat Marco Rubio immediately before and after the attack.
He also noted that Nigeria's president, Bola Tinubu, had granted authorization for the military action. Tuggar left the door open for additional operations, describing them as an "continuous effort" that would potentially include international partners.
"The strikes had no connection to a particular religion," Tuggar insisted in an discussion with the BBC. "The objective is to do with attacking terrorists who have been killing Nigerians."
American Official Predicts of Further Actions in Nigeria
Hours after the initial strikes, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned of more strikes against Islamic State targets in the region.
Hegseth characterized the action as part of a mission to stop the targeting of Christian individuals, a position reiterated by the former president. In a public statement, Hegseth wrote, "He was explicit... the murder of Christian civilians in Nigeria must end. More to come..."
Supporters' Response to the Airstrikes
The holiday military operation were met with praise by certain political allies of the ex-leader, who had been calling for a strong military reaction to the violence against Christians.
"There is no a better way to celebrate Christmas than by responding to the killings of Christians," posted one well-known political figure on a digital platform.
Key Points from the Announcement
- Cooperation: Nigeria actively provided key intelligence for the US-led operation.
- Presidential Authorization: President Bola Tinubu gave the green light for the strikes.
- Continuous Effort: The campaign is described as an "continuing mission" with potential for more strikes.
- Secular Objective: Nigerian officials maintain the targeting are focused on counter-terrorism, not religion.
- US Commitment: A top American official has signaled further strikes are likely.
The situation highlights the evolving military partnership between Nigeria and the United States in addressing militant groups in the Sahel area.