The Nigerian Government Discloses It Supplied Intelligence for Recent Military Strikes as Defense Secretary Predicts of More Attacks
Nigeria's government has confirmed that it provided crucial intelligence in the American military operation conducted on December 25, as stated by the nation's foreign minister on Friday.
Former President Donald Trump previously declared the aerial attacks against ISIS fighters in the northwestern region of Nigeria after spending weeks criticizing the group for targeting Christians.
Extensive Discussions Preceded the Operation
Nigeria's top diplomat, Yusuf Tuggar, explained that he had held "extensive" discussions with America's top diplomat Marco Rubio immediately before and after the airstrike.
He further added that Nigeria's leader, Bola Tinubu, had given the "go-ahead" for the military action. Tuggar did not rule out additional operations, describing them as an "continuous effort" that would potentially include international partners.
"This operation had nothing to do with a particular religion," Tuggar insisted in an discussion with the BBC. "It is about attacking terrorists who have been killing Nigerians."
US Warns of Further Strikes in Nigeria
Hours after the Christmas Day operation, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned of additional military actions against ISIS locations in north-western Nigeria.
Hegseth described the strikes as part of a mission to stop the killing of Christians, a position reiterated by the former president. In a social media post, Hegseth stated, "He was explicit... 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 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 observe the holiday than by avenging the death of Christians," posted one well-known activist on a digital platform.
Key Points from the Revelations
- Intelligence Sharing: Nigeria actively provided key intelligence for the US-led operation.
- High-Level Approval: President Bola Tinubu gave the green light for the strikes.
- Ongoing Process: The operation is viewed 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 religious affiliation.
- US Commitment: A senior US official has indicated further strikes are on the horizon.
This development underscores the complex security cooperation between the West African nation and the US in addressing terrorist threats in the Sahel area.
