Nigeria Reveals It Provided Intelligence for Recent Airstrikes as Defense Secretary Warns of More Operations
Nigeria's foreign ministry has confirmed that it provided crucial intelligence in the American military operation carried out on December 25, according to the country's foreign minister on Friday.
Former President Donald Trump previously declared the strikes against ISIS militants in the northwestern region of Nigeria after spending weeks decrying the group for attacking Christians.
Extensive Consultations Preceded the Military Action
Nigeria's top diplomat, Yusuf Tuggar, stated that he had held "lengthy" phone conversations with America's top diplomat Marco Rubio immediately prior to and following the airstrike.
He further added that Nigeria's president, Bola Tinubu, had approved for the military action. Tuggar did not rule out additional operations, describing them as an "ongoing process" that would also involve international partners.
"This operation had no connection to a specific faith," Tuggar emphasized in an discussion with the BBC. "It is to do with attacking terrorists who have been murdering Nigerian citizens."
American Official Predicts of More Strikes in Nigeria
Hours after the Christmas Day operation, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth cautioned of additional military actions against ISIS locations in the region.
Hegseth characterized the action as part of a mission to stop the killing of Christians, a position echoed by the ex-commander in chief. In a social media post, Hegseth wrote, "He was clear... the murder of innocent Christians in Nigeria must cease. More to come..."
Supporters' Response to the Airstrikes
The Christmas Day strikes were met with praise by certain supporters of the ex-leader, who had been agitating for a forceful response to the attacks against Christians.
"There is no a more fitting manner to observe the holiday than by responding to the killings of Christians," commented one well-known political figure on social media.
Key Points from the Announcement
- Cooperation: Nigeria supplied key intelligence for the American airstrikes.
- Presidential Authorization: President Bola Tinubu gave the green light for the military action.
- Continuous Effort: The campaign is viewed as an "continuing mission" with the possibility of future actions.
- Secular Objective: Nigerian officials strongly insist the targeting are solely about combating militants, not religion.
- American Stance: A senior US official has indicated further strikes are on the horizon.
This development underscores the complex military partnership between Nigeria and the US in addressing militant groups in the Sahel area.
