The Nigerian Government Reveals It Furnished Intelligence for US-Led Airstrikes as Defense Secretary Predicts of More Operations
The Nigerian foreign ministry has confirmed that it played a role in the American military operation conducted on December 25, according to the country's foreign minister on Friday.
Ex-President Donald Trump had announced the aerial attacks targeting ISIS fighters in north-west Nigeria after a period of criticizing the group for targeting Christian communities.
Detailed Consultations Preceded the Operation
Nigeria's foreign minister, Yusuf Tuggar, stated that he had held "lengthy" phone conversations with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio both 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 further strikes, describing them as an "continuous effort" that would also involve other countries.
"The strikes had no connection to a specific faith," Tuggar emphasized in an interview with the BBC. "The objective is to do with 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 cautioned of additional military actions against Islamic State targets in north-western Nigeria.
Hegseth described the strikes as part of a mission to stop the targeting of Christian individuals, a stance reiterated by the former president. In a public statement, Hegseth wrote, "He was clear... the murder of innocent Christians in Nigeria must end. 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," posted one prominent activist on social media.
Key Points from the Revelations
- Cooperation: Nigeria actively provided crucial information for the US-led airstrikes.
- High-Level Approval: President Bola Tinubu personally authorized the strikes.
- Ongoing Process: The campaign is viewed as an "continuing mission" with the possibility of more strikes.
- Secular Objective: Nigerian officials maintain the targeting are focused on counter-terrorism, not religious affiliation.
- American Stance: A senior US official has indicated additional military actions are likely.
This development highlights the evolving security cooperation between the West African nation and the United States in combating terrorist threats in the region.
