The Nigerian Government Confirms It Furnished Key Information for US-Led Military Strikes as US Official Warns of Additional Attacks
The Nigerian foreign ministry has confirmed that it played a role in the US airstrikes conducted on Christmas Day, as stated by the country's foreign minister on Friday.
Ex-President Donald Trump had announced the strikes targeting Islamic State fighters in the northwestern region of Nigeria after a period of criticizing the organization for targeting Christians.
Detailed Consultations Came Before the Operation
Nigeria's top diplomat, Yusuf Tuggar, stated that he had engaged in "extensive" discussions with America's top diplomat Marco Rubio immediately before and after the airstrike.
He also noted that Nigeria's president, Bola Tinubu, had approved for the military action. Tuggar did not rule out additional operations, describing them as an "continuous effort" that would also involve other countries.
"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 killing Nigerians."
American Official Predicts of Further Actions in Nigeria
Hours after the initial strikes, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth cautioned of more strikes against ISIS locations in north-western Nigeria.
Hegseth characterized the action as part of efforts to stop the targeting of Christian individuals, a position echoed by the ex-commander in chief. In a public statement, Hegseth wrote, "The president was explicit... the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria must cease. More to come..."
Supporters' Response to the Military Action
The Christmas Day strikes were met with praise by some supporters of the former president, who had been calling for a strong military reaction to the violence against Christians.
"I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Christmas than by avenging the death of Christians," commented one prominent activist on a digital platform.
Main Takeaways from the Announcement
- Cooperation: Nigeria supplied key intelligence for the American airstrikes.
- High-Level Approval: President Bola Tinubu gave the green light for the military action.
- Ongoing Process: The operation is viewed as an "continuing mission" with potential for more strikes.
- Secular Objective: Nigerian officials maintain the strikes are focused on combating militants, not religion.
- US Commitment: A senior US official has signaled further strikes are likely.
This development underscores the evolving military partnership between the West African nation and the US in combating militant groups in the region.