The Nigerian Government Reveals It Provided Key Information for US-Led Airstrikes as Defense Secretary Predicts of Additional Operations

The Nigerian foreign ministry has announced that it played a role in the American military operation carried out on December 25, as stated by the nation's foreign minister on Friday.

Former President Donald Trump had announced the aerial attacks against ISIS militants in the northwestern region of Nigeria after spending weeks decrying the group for attacking Christians.

Extensive Discussions Preceded the Operation

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

He further added that Nigeria's president, Bola Tinubu, had granted authorization for the airstrikes. Tuggar left the door open for further strikes, describing them as an "continuous effort" that would also involve other countries.

"This operation had nothing to do with a particular religion," Tuggar emphasized in an discussion with the BBC. "The objective is about targeting militants who have been killing Nigerians."

US Warns of Further Actions in Nigeria

Shortly following the Christmas Day operation, 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 halt the killing of Christians, a stance reiterated by the ex-commander in chief. In a public statement, Hegseth stated, "He was explicit... the murder of innocent Christians in Nigeria must cease. More to come..."

Political Reaction to the Airstrikes

The Christmas Day strikes were met with praise by some supporters of the ex-leader, who had been agitating for a forceful response to the attacks against Christians.

"There is no a better way to observe the holiday than by responding to the killings of Christians," posted one well-known political figure on social media.

Key Points from the Announcement

• Cooperation: Nigeria supplied crucial information for the American airstrikes.
• Presidential Authorization: President Bola Tinubu gave the green light for the strikes.
• Continuous Effort: The campaign is viewed as an "continuing mission" with potential for more strikes.
• Non-Religious Aim: Nigerian officials maintain the targeting are solely about combating militants, not religious affiliation.
• US Commitment: A top American defense leader has indicated additional strikes are on the horizon.

This development underscores the complex security cooperation between the West African nation and the US in combating terrorist threats in the region.