Nigeria Confirms It Supplied Intelligence for US-Led Military Strikes as Defense Secretary Predicts of Additional Operations

Nigeria's foreign ministry has stated that it played a role in the US airstrikes carried out on Christmas Day, according to the nation's foreign minister on Friday.

Ex-President Donald Trump previously declared the strikes against ISIS militants in the northwestern region of Nigeria after spending weeks criticizing the organization for attacking Christians.

Detailed Consultations Preceded the Military Action

Nigeria's top diplomat, Yusuf Tuggar, indicated that he had held "lengthy" discussions with America's top diplomat Marco Rubio immediately prior to and following the airstrike.

He also noted that Nigeria's president, Bola Tinubu, had approved for the airstrikes. Tuggar left the door open for additional operations, characterizing them as an "ongoing process" that would potentially include international partners.

"The strikes had no connection to a specific faith," Tuggar insisted in an discussion with the BBC. "It is to do with targeting militants who have been murdering Nigerian citizens."

American Official Predicts of Further Actions in Nigeria

Hours after the Christmas Day operation, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth cautioned of more strikes against ISIS locations in the region.

Hegseth characterized the action as part of a mission to halt the killing of Christians, a position echoed by the ex-commander in chief. In a social media post, Hegseth stated, "The president was explicit... the murder of innocent Christians in Nigeria must end. More to come..."

Supporters' Response to the Military Action

The holiday military operation were met with praise by some political allies of the former president, who had been agitating for a strong military reaction to the attacks against Christians.

"There is no a more fitting manner to celebrate Christmas than by responding to the killings of Christians," posted one well-known political figure on a digital platform.

Key Points from the Revelations

• Cooperation: Nigeria supplied key intelligence for the US-led airstrikes.
• High-Level Approval: President Bola Tinubu personally authorized the strikes.
• Continuous Effort: The operation is viewed as an "continuing mission" with potential for more strikes.
• Non-Religious Aim: Nigerian officials maintain the targeting are focused on combating militants, not religious affiliation.
• American Stance: A senior US defense leader has indicated further strikes are on the horizon.

The situation highlights the complex security cooperation between the West African nation and the US in combating terrorist threats in the region.