Nigeria Discloses It Supplied Key Information for Recent Military Strikes as Defense Secretary Warns of Additional Operations
The Nigerian government has stated that it provided crucial intelligence in the American military operation carried out on December 25, according to the nation's foreign minister on Friday.
Ex-President Donald Trump previously declared the strikes against ISIS militants in north-west Nigeria after a period of criticizing the group for targeting Christians.
Detailed Discussions Came Before the Military Action
Nigeria's foreign minister, Yusuf Tuggar, indicated that he had held "lengthy" phone conversations with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio both before and after the airstrike.
He also noted that Nigeria's leader, Bola Tinubu, had given the "go-ahead" for the airstrikes. Tuggar left the door open for additional operations, describing them as an "ongoing process" that would potentially include other countries.
"The strikes had nothing to do with a particular religion," Tuggar emphasized in an interview with the BBC. "The objective is to do with attacking terrorists who have been murdering Nigerian citizens."
US Warns of Further Strikes in Nigeria
Hours after the Christmas Day operation, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth cautioned of more strikes against ISIS locations in the region.
Hegseth described the strikes as part of a mission to stop the killing of Christians, a stance reiterated by the ex-commander in chief. In a public statement, Hegseth stated, "He was clear... the murder of Christian civilians in Nigeria must cease. More to come..."
Supporters' Response to the Military Action
The holiday military operation were met with praise by some supporters of the former president, who had been agitating for a strong military reaction to the attacks against Christians.
"There is no a better way to observe the holiday than by responding to the killings of Christians," posted one well-known activist on social media.
Key Points from the Revelations
- Intelligence Sharing: Nigeria actively provided key intelligence for the US-led airstrikes.
- Presidential Authorization: President Bola Tinubu personally authorized the military action.
- Ongoing Process: The campaign is described as an "continuing mission" with the possibility of more strikes.
- Non-Religious Aim: Nigerian officials maintain the strikes are solely about counter-terrorism, not religious affiliation.
- US Commitment: A top American official has indicated additional strikes are on the horizon.
This development highlights the evolving military partnership between Nigeria and the United States in combating terrorist threats in the Sahel area.
