Nigeria Confirms It Provided Key Information for Christmas Day Military Strikes as Defense Secretary Warns of More Operations
The Nigerian foreign ministry has announced that it played a role in the US airstrikes conducted on December 25, according to the nation's foreign minister on Friday.
Ex-President Donald Trump previously declared the strikes targeting ISIS fighters in the northwestern region of Nigeria after spending weeks decrying the organization for attacking Christian communities.
Extensive Discussions Preceded the Operation
Nigeria's top diplomat, Yusuf Tuggar, indicated that he had held "lengthy" discussions with America's top diplomat Marco Rubio immediately prior to and following the attack.
He further added that Nigeria's leader, Bola Tinubu, had granted authorization for the airstrikes. Tuggar left the door open for further strikes, characterizing them as an "continuous effort" that would also involve international partners.
"This operation had nothing to do with a particular religion," Tuggar insisted in an interview with the BBC. "The objective is about attacking terrorists who have been killing Nigerians."
American Official Predicts of More Strikes in Nigeria
Hours after the initial strikes, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth cautioned of more strikes against ISIS locations in north-western Nigeria.
Hegseth described the strikes as part of efforts to halt the targeting of Christian individuals, a stance echoed by the ex-commander in chief. In a public statement, Hegseth wrote, "He was explicit... the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria must end. More to come..."
Supporters' Response to the Military Action
The holiday military operation were hailed by some supporters of the ex-leader, who had been calling for a strong military reaction to the violence against Christians.
"I can’t think of a more fitting manner to celebrate Christmas than by responding to the killings of Christians," commented one well-known activist on a digital platform.
Key Points from the Revelations
- Cooperation: Nigeria supplied key intelligence for the US-led operation.
- Presidential Authorization: President Bola Tinubu gave the green light for the strikes.
- Continuous Effort: The operation is described as an "ongoing process" with the possibility of more strikes.
- Non-Religious Aim: Nigerian officials strongly insist the strikes are focused on counter-terrorism, not religion.
- American Stance: A senior US defense leader has indicated further military actions are likely.
This development underscores the complex security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in combating militant groups in the region.
