Nigeria Reveals It Provided Intelligence for Recent Airstrikes as Defense Secretary Warns of Additional Operations
Nigeria's foreign ministry has confirmed that it played a role in the US airstrikes conducted on December 25, according to the country's foreign minister on Friday.
Former President Donald Trump had announced the aerial attacks against ISIS militants in the northwestern region of Nigeria after spending weeks decrying the organization for attacking Christian communities.
Extensive Discussions 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 immediately prior to and following the airstrike.
He further added that Nigeria's president, Bola Tinubu, had given the "go-ahead" for the military action. Tuggar did not rule out further strikes, describing them as an "continuous effort" that would also involve international partners.
"This operation had nothing to do with a specific faith," Tuggar emphasized in an discussion with the BBC. "The objective is to do with targeting militants who have been murdering Nigerian citizens."
US Warns of More Actions in Nigeria
Shortly following the Christmas Day operation, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned of more strikes against ISIS locations in north-western Nigeria.
Hegseth characterized the action as part of a mission to stop the targeting of Christian individuals, a position reiterated by the former president. In a public statement, Hegseth stated, "He was clear... the killing of Christian civilians in Nigeria must cease. More to come..."
Supporters' Response to the Airstrikes
The holiday military operation were met with praise by certain supporters of the former president, who had been calling for a forceful response to the violence against Christians.
"There is no a better way to celebrate Christmas than by responding to the killings of Christians," posted one prominent political figure on a digital platform.
Key Points from the Revelations
- Intelligence Sharing: Nigeria actively provided crucial information for the US-led airstrikes.
- Presidential Authorization: President Bola Tinubu gave the green light for the strikes.
- Ongoing Process: The operation is described as an "continuing mission" with potential for future actions.
- Non-Religious Aim: Nigerian officials strongly insist the strikes are focused on combating militants, not religion.
- American Stance: A senior US official has indicated further military actions are on the horizon.
This development highlights the complex security cooperation between the West African nation and the US in addressing militant groups in the Sahel area.
