The Nigerian Government Discloses It Provided Intelligence for Recent Airstrikes as Defense Secretary Warns of Additional Attacks
The Nigerian government has confirmed that it played a role in the American military operation carried out on December 25, as stated by the country's foreign minister this week.
Ex-President Donald Trump had announced the aerial attacks targeting Islamic State militants in the northwestern region of Nigeria after a period of decrying the group for attacking Christians.
Extensive Consultations Came Before the Operation
Nigeria's top diplomat, Yusuf Tuggar, indicated that he had held "extensive" 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 given the "go-ahead" for the airstrikes. Tuggar left the door open for further strikes, describing them as an "continuous effort" that would also involve other countries.
"The strikes had no connection to a specific faith," Tuggar emphasized in an interview with the BBC. "It is to do with targeting militants who have been murdering Nigerian citizens."
US Warns of More Strikes in Nigeria
Hours after the Christmas Day operation, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth cautioned of more strikes against ISIS locations in north-western Nigeria.
Hegseth described the strikes as part of a mission to stop the targeting of Christian individuals, a position reiterated by the former president. In a social media post, Hegseth stated, "The president was clear... the murder of innocent Christians in Nigeria must end. More to come..."
Supporters' Response to the Airstrikes
The Christmas Day strikes were hailed by some supporters of the former president, who had been calling for a forceful response to the attacks against Christians.
"There is no a better way to observe the holiday than by avenging the death of Christians," posted one well-known political figure on social media.
Key Points from the Revelations
- Cooperation: Nigeria supplied crucial information for the US-led operation.
- Presidential Authorization: President Bola Tinubu personally authorized the military action.
- Continuous Effort: The operation is described as an "continuing mission" with potential for more strikes.
- Non-Religious Aim: Nigerian officials strongly insist the targeting are solely about counter-terrorism, not religion.
- US Commitment: A top American official has signaled additional strikes are likely.
This development highlights the evolving military partnership between the West African nation and the United States in combating militant groups in the region.
