Nigeria Reveals It Furnished Intelligence for US-Led Military Strikes as US Official Warns of Additional Operations
Nigeria's government has confirmed that it provided crucial intelligence in the American military operation conducted on Christmas Day, according to the country's foreign minister on Friday.
Former President Donald Trump previously declared the aerial attacks targeting ISIS militants in the northwestern region of Nigeria after a period of decrying the organization for targeting Christians.
Extensive Consultations Preceded the Military Action
Nigeria's top diplomat, Yusuf Tuggar, indicated that he had engaged in "lengthy" phone conversations with America's top diplomat Marco Rubio both before and after the attack.
He further added that Nigeria's president, Bola Tinubu, had approved for the military action. Tuggar did not rule out further strikes, describing them as an "continuous effort" that would potentially include other countries.
"The strikes had no connection to a particular religion," Tuggar insisted in an discussion with the BBC. "It is to do with attacking terrorists who have been murdering Nigerian citizens."
American Official Predicts of More Actions in Nigeria
Shortly following the initial strikes, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth warned of additional military actions against ISIS locations in north-western Nigeria.
Hegseth described the strikes as part of efforts to stop the killing of Christians, a position reiterated by the ex-commander in chief. In a public statement, Hegseth stated, "The president was clear... the murder of Christian civilians in Nigeria must cease. More to come..."
Political Reaction to the Airstrikes
The holiday military operation were hailed by some supporters of the former president, who had been calling for a forceful response to the violence against Christians.
"I can’t think of a more fitting manner to celebrate Christmas than by avenging the death of Christians," commented one prominent activist on a digital platform.
Main Takeaways from the Revelations
- Cooperation: Nigeria supplied key intelligence for the American operation.
- Presidential Authorization: President Bola Tinubu gave the green light for the military action.
- Continuous Effort: The campaign is viewed as an "continuing mission" with the possibility of future actions.
- Non-Religious Aim: Nigerian officials strongly insist the strikes are solely about combating militants, not religion.
- US Commitment: A senior US official has indicated additional military actions are likely.
The situation underscores the evolving security cooperation between the West African nation and the United States in addressing militant groups in the Sahel area.