The Nigerian Government Discloses It Supplied Intelligence for US-Led Military Strikes as Defense Secretary Warns of Additional Operations

The Nigerian government has confirmed that it provided crucial intelligence in the US airstrikes conducted on December 25, as stated by the nation's foreign minister this week.

Ex-President Donald Trump had announced the aerial attacks against ISIS fighters in north-west Nigeria after a period of criticizing the organization for targeting Christian communities.

Extensive Discussions Came Before the Operation

Nigeria's foreign minister, Yusuf Tuggar, explained that he had held "extensive" discussions with America's top diplomat Marco Rubio immediately prior to and following the airstrike.

He further added that Nigeria's president, Bola Tinubu, had approved for the military action. Tuggar left the door open for further strikes, characterizing them as an "continuous effort" that would potentially include international partners.

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

American Official Predicts of Further Strikes in Nigeria

Shortly following the initial strikes, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth warned of more strikes against Islamic State targets in north-western Nigeria.

Hegseth characterized the action as part of efforts to stop the killing of Christians, a position reiterated by the former president. In a social media post, Hegseth stated, "He was clear... the murder of Christian civilians in Nigeria must end. More to come..."

Supporters' Response to the Military Action

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

"There is no a more fitting manner to celebrate Christmas than by avenging the death of Christians," commented one well-known activist on a digital platform.

Key Points from the Revelations

• Cooperation: Nigeria actively provided key intelligence for the American operation.
• High-Level Approval: President Bola Tinubu gave the green light for the strikes.
• Continuous Effort: The operation is described as an "ongoing process" with the possibility of future actions.
• Non-Religious Aim: Nigerian officials maintain the strikes are solely about combating militants, not religious affiliation.
• US Commitment: A senior US official has indicated additional strikes are on the horizon.

This development underscores the evolving security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in combating terrorist threats in the Sahel area.