The Nigerian Government Confirms It Furnished Intelligence for Christmas Day Airstrikes as US Official Warns of More Attacks
Nigeria's foreign ministry has confirmed that it played a role in the US airstrikes conducted on December 25, according to the nation's foreign minister this week.
Former President Donald Trump had announced the strikes against ISIS militants in north-west Nigeria after spending weeks criticizing the organization for attacking Christians.
Extensive Consultations Preceded the Military Action
Nigeria's foreign minister, Yusuf Tuggar, explained that he had engaged in "extensive" phone conversations with America's top diplomat Marco Rubio immediately prior to and following the attack.
He also noted that Nigeria's president, Bola Tinubu, had given the "go-ahead" for the military action. Tuggar left the door open for additional operations, characterizing them as an "ongoing process" that would also involve international partners.
"The strikes had no connection to a specific faith," Tuggar insisted in an interview with the BBC. "It is to do with attacking terrorists who have been killing Nigerians."
US Warns of Further Actions in Nigeria
Shortly following the initial strikes, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned of more strikes against ISIS locations in north-western Nigeria.
Hegseth characterized the action as part of a mission to halt the targeting of Christian individuals, a stance echoed by the former president. In a public statement, Hegseth stated, "He was explicit... the murder of innocent Christians in Nigeria must end. More to come..."
Supporters' Response to the Airstrikes
The holiday military operation were met with praise by certain supporters of the ex-leader, who had been calling 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 prominent activist on a digital platform.
Key Points from the Announcement
- Cooperation: Nigeria actively provided key intelligence for the US-led operation.
- High-Level Approval: President Bola Tinubu personally authorized the military action.
- Ongoing Process: The operation is viewed as an "continuing mission" with potential for more strikes.
- Non-Religious Aim: Nigerian officials maintain the strikes are solely about counter-terrorism, not religious affiliation.
- American Stance: A senior US official has indicated additional military actions are likely.
The situation highlights the evolving military partnership between Nigeria and the US in combating terrorist threats in the Sahel area.
