The Nigerian Government Discloses It Provided Intelligence for Recent Airstrikes as US Official Warns of Additional Attacks

The Nigerian foreign ministry has announced that it played a role in the American military operation conducted on December 25, according to the nation's foreign minister on Friday.

Former President Donald Trump previously declared the strikes targeting ISIS militants in the northwestern region of Nigeria after a period of criticizing the organization for attacking Christian communities.

Extensive Consultations Came Before the Operation

Nigeria's top diplomat, Yusuf Tuggar, explained that he had engaged in "lengthy" discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio both before and after the airstrike.

He also noted that Nigeria's leader, Bola Tinubu, had given the "go-ahead" for the airstrikes. Tuggar did not rule out further strikes, characterizing them as an "ongoing process" that would potentially include other countries.

"This operation had nothing to do with a specific faith," Tuggar emphasized in an interview with the BBC. "It is to do with attacking terrorists who have been murdering Nigerian citizens."

US Warns of Further Actions in Nigeria

Hours after the initial strikes, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth warned of additional military actions against ISIS locations in north-western Nigeria.

Hegseth characterized the action as part of a mission to stop the targeting of Christian individuals, a position reiterated by the ex-commander in chief. In a public statement, Hegseth stated, "He was clear... the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria must cease. More to come..."

Supporters' Response to the Airstrikes

The Christmas Day strikes were hailed by certain political allies of the former president, who had been agitating for a forceful response to the violence against Christians.

"I can’t think of a better way to observe the holiday than by avenging the death of Christians," posted one prominent activist on social media.

Main Takeaways from the Announcement

• Intelligence Sharing: Nigeria supplied 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 focused on combating militants, not religious affiliation.
• American Stance: A senior US defense leader has indicated further military actions are likely.

This development highlights the evolving military partnership between Nigeria and the United States in combating terrorist threats in the Sahel area.