Nigeria Confirms It Supplied Intelligence for US-Led Airstrikes as Defense Secretary Warns of Additional Operations

Nigeria's foreign ministry has stated that it played a role in the American military operation carried out on December 25, according to the country's foreign minister this week.

Ex-President Donald Trump had announced the aerial attacks against Islamic State militants in the northwestern region of Nigeria after a period of decrying the organization for targeting Christian communities.

Detailed Consultations Came Before 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 further added that Nigeria's president, Bola Tinubu, had granted authorization for the airstrikes. Tuggar did not rule out additional operations, describing them as an "continuous effort" that would also involve international partners.

"The strikes had no connection to a specific faith," Tuggar emphasized in an discussion with the BBC. "It is about targeting militants who have been killing Nigerians."

American Official Predicts of More Actions in Nigeria

Hours after the initial strikes, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned of more strikes against Islamic State targets in the region.

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 social media post, Hegseth wrote, "He was explicit... the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria must cease. More to come..."

Supporters' Response to the Airstrikes

The holiday military operation were hailed by some political allies of the former president, who had been calling for a forceful response to the violence against Christians.

"I can’t think of a more fitting manner to observe the holiday than by responding to the killings of Christians," commented one prominent political figure on social media.

Key Points from the Revelations

• Cooperation: Nigeria actively provided crucial information for the American airstrikes.
• Presidential Authorization: President Bola Tinubu personally authorized the military action.
• Continuous Effort: The campaign is described as an "continuing mission" with the possibility of future actions.
• Secular Objective: Nigerian officials strongly insist the strikes are solely about combating militants, not religious affiliation.
• US Commitment: A top American official has indicated further military actions are likely.

The situation underscores the complex security cooperation between the West African nation and the US in addressing militant groups in the region.