The Nigerian Government Reveals It Supplied Intelligence for Recent Airstrikes as US Official Predicts of More Operations
The Nigerian government has confirmed that it played a role in the US airstrikes carried out on Christmas Day, according to the country's foreign minister on Friday.
Former President Donald Trump had announced the aerial attacks against Islamic State militants in north-west Nigeria after spending weeks decrying the organization for targeting Christians.
Extensive Consultations Preceded the Military Action
Nigeria's foreign minister, Yusuf Tuggar, explained that he had held "extensive" discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio both prior to and following the airstrike.
He also noted that Nigeria's president, Bola Tinubu, had given the "go-ahead" for the airstrikes. Tuggar did not rule out additional operations, characterizing them as an "ongoing process" that would potentially include other countries.
"The strikes had nothing to do with a particular religion," Tuggar insisted in an discussion with the BBC. "It is to do with attacking terrorists who have been killing Nigerians."
American Official Predicts of More Strikes in Nigeria
Hours after the Christmas Day operation, 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 former president. In a social media post, Hegseth wrote, "He was clear... the killing of Christian civilians in Nigeria must end. More to come..."
Supporters' Response to the Airstrikes
The Christmas Day strikes were met with praise by some supporters of the former president, who had been agitating for a forceful response to the attacks against Christians.
"I can’t think of a more fitting manner to observe the holiday than by avenging the death of Christians," posted one prominent activist on a digital platform.
Key Points from the Revelations
- Intelligence Sharing: Nigeria supplied key intelligence for the US-led airstrikes.
- Presidential Authorization: President Bola Tinubu personally authorized the military action.
- Continuous Effort: The operation is described as an "continuing mission" with the possibility of future actions.
- Non-Religious Aim: Nigerian officials strongly insist the targeting are solely about combating militants, not religious affiliation.
- US Commitment: A senior US official has signaled further strikes are likely.
The situation underscores the evolving military partnership between Nigeria and the US in addressing terrorist threats in the region.
