The Nigerian Government Confirms It Supplied Intelligence for Recent Military Strikes as US Official Predicts of Additional Attacks

Nigeria's government has announced that it played a role in the American military operation carried out on December 25, as stated by the country's foreign minister this week.

Ex-President Donald Trump previously declared the strikes against ISIS fighters in north-west Nigeria after spending weeks decrying the group for attacking Christians.

Detailed Discussions Came Before the Military Action

Nigeria's top diplomat, Yusuf Tuggar, indicated that he had held "extensive" discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio immediately prior to and following the attack.

He further added that Nigeria's leader, Bola Tinubu, had given the "go-ahead" for the military action. Tuggar did not rule out further strikes, characterizing them as an "ongoing process" that would also involve other countries.

"This operation had nothing to do with a specific faith," Tuggar insisted in an discussion with the BBC. "The objective is to do with targeting militants who have been killing Nigerians."

US Warns of More Strikes in Nigeria

Hours after the Christmas Day operation, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth cautioned of more strikes against Islamic State targets in north-western Nigeria.

Hegseth described the strikes as part of efforts to stop the targeting of Christian individuals, a stance echoed by the ex-commander in chief. In a public statement, Hegseth wrote, "He was clear... the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria must end. More to come..."

Supporters' Response to the Airstrikes

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

"There is no a better way to celebrate Christmas than by responding to the killings of Christians," posted one well-known activist on a digital platform.

Main Takeaways from the Announcement

• Intelligence Sharing: Nigeria supplied key intelligence for the American operation.
• High-Level Approval: President Bola Tinubu gave the green light for the strikes.
• Ongoing Process: The campaign is described as an "continuing mission" with the possibility of more strikes.
• Secular Objective: Nigerian officials strongly insist the strikes are focused on combating militants, not religious affiliation.
• US Commitment: A top American defense leader has indicated additional military actions are on the horizon.

The situation highlights the complex military partnership between Nigeria and the United States in addressing terrorist threats in the Sahel area.