The Nigerian Government Confirms It Supplied Intelligence for US-Led Military Strikes as Defense Secretary Predicts of Additional Attacks
The Nigerian government has announced that it played a role in the US airstrikes conducted on Christmas Day, as stated by the country's foreign minister this week.
Former President Donald Trump had announced the strikes against Islamic State fighters in the northwestern region of Nigeria after a period of decrying the group for targeting Christians.
Extensive Consultations Came Before the Operation
Nigeria's foreign minister, Yusuf Tuggar, stated that he had engaged in "extensive" phone conversations with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio immediately prior to and following the attack.
He also noted that Nigeria's leader, Bola Tinubu, had approved for the military action. Tuggar left the door open for additional operations, describing 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 discussion with the BBC. "It is about attacking terrorists who have been killing Nigerians."
US Warns of Further Strikes in Nigeria
Shortly following the Christmas Day operation, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned of more strikes against Islamic State targets in north-western Nigeria.
Hegseth described the strikes as part of efforts to stop the targeting of Christian individuals, a position echoed by the ex-commander in chief. In a social media post, Hegseth wrote, "He was clear... the killing of Christian civilians in Nigeria must cease. More to come..."
Supporters' Response to the Airstrikes
The Christmas Day strikes were hailed by some political allies of the ex-leader, 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 responding to the killings of Christians," posted one prominent activist on social media.
Key Points from the Revelations
- Cooperation: Nigeria actively provided crucial information for the American operation.
- High-Level Approval: President Bola Tinubu gave the green light for the military action.
- Ongoing Process: The operation is viewed as an "continuing mission" with potential for more strikes.
- Secular Objective: Nigerian officials maintain the strikes are solely about combating militants, not religion.
- American Stance: A senior US official has indicated further military actions are on the horizon.
This development underscores the evolving military partnership between the West African nation and the US in addressing militant groups in the region.
