🔗 Share this article Nigeria Reveals It Provided Intelligence for Christmas Day Military Strikes as Defense Secretary Warns of More Operations Nigeria's foreign ministry has confirmed that it played a role in the American military operation conducted on December 25, as stated by the country's foreign minister on Friday. Former President Donald Trump had announced the strikes targeting Islamic State fighters in north-west Nigeria after spending weeks decrying the organization for attacking Christian communities. Detailed Discussions Preceded the Military Action Nigeria's top diplomat, Yusuf Tuggar, indicated that he had held "extensive" phone conversations with America's top diplomat Marco Rubio immediately prior to and following the airstrike. He further added that Nigeria's leader, Bola Tinubu, had given the "go-ahead" for the military action. Tuggar did not rule out additional operations, describing them as an "ongoing process" 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 about targeting militants who have been killing Nigerians." American Official Predicts of More Strikes in Nigeria Shortly following the initial strikes, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth cautioned of more strikes against Islamic State targets in north-western Nigeria. Hegseth characterized the action as part of efforts to halt the targeting of Christian individuals, a stance echoed by the ex-commander in chief. In a social media post, Hegseth wrote, "The president was explicit... the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria must end. More to come..." Supporters' Response to the Airstrikes The Christmas Day strikes were hailed by some political allies of the former president, who had been calling for a strong military reaction to the attacks against Christians. "There is no a more fitting manner to observe the holiday than by avenging the death of Christians," posted one well-known political figure on social media. Key Points from the Revelations Intelligence Sharing: Nigeria supplied crucial information for the American airstrikes. Presidential Authorization: President Bola Tinubu personally authorized the military action. Continuous Effort: The operation is described as an "continuing mission" with the possibility of more strikes. Non-Religious Aim: Nigerian officials maintain the strikes are focused on combating militants, not religion. US Commitment: A senior US official has indicated further military actions are on the horizon. This development underscores the evolving military partnership between Nigeria and the US in combating militant groups in the region.
Nigeria's foreign ministry has confirmed that it played a role in the American military operation conducted on December 25, as stated by the country's foreign minister on Friday. Former President Donald Trump had announced the strikes targeting Islamic State fighters in north-west Nigeria after spending weeks decrying the organization for attacking Christian communities. Detailed Discussions Preceded the Military Action Nigeria's top diplomat, Yusuf Tuggar, indicated that he had held "extensive" phone conversations with America's top diplomat Marco Rubio immediately prior to and following the airstrike. He further added that Nigeria's leader, Bola Tinubu, had given the "go-ahead" for the military action. Tuggar did not rule out additional operations, describing them as an "ongoing process" 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 about targeting militants who have been killing Nigerians." American Official Predicts of More Strikes in Nigeria Shortly following the initial strikes, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth cautioned of more strikes against Islamic State targets in north-western Nigeria. Hegseth characterized the action as part of efforts to halt the targeting of Christian individuals, a stance echoed by the ex-commander in chief. In a social media post, Hegseth wrote, "The president was explicit... the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria must end. More to come..." Supporters' Response to the Airstrikes The Christmas Day strikes were hailed by some political allies of the former president, who had been calling for a strong military reaction to the attacks against Christians. "There is no a more fitting manner to observe the holiday than by avenging the death of Christians," posted one well-known political figure on social media. Key Points from the Revelations Intelligence Sharing: Nigeria supplied crucial information for the American airstrikes. Presidential Authorization: President Bola Tinubu personally authorized the military action. Continuous Effort: The operation is described as an "continuing mission" with the possibility of more strikes. Non-Religious Aim: Nigerian officials maintain the strikes are focused on combating militants, not religion. US Commitment: A senior US official has indicated further military actions are on the horizon. This development underscores the evolving military partnership between Nigeria and the US in combating militant groups in the region.