Nigeria Confirms It Supplied Intelligence for US-Led Airstrikes as US Official Predicts of Additional Operations

Nigeria's foreign ministry has stated 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 aerial attacks targeting ISIS militants in the northwestern region of Nigeria after spending weeks decrying the organization for targeting Christian communities.

Detailed Discussions Came Before the Operation

Nigeria's top diplomat, Yusuf Tuggar, indicated 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 granted authorization for the military action. Tuggar did not rule out additional operations, characterizing them as an "ongoing process" that would also involve international partners.

"The strikes had nothing to do with a specific faith," Tuggar insisted in an discussion with the BBC. "It is to do with targeting militants who have been murdering Nigerian citizens."

US Warns of More Strikes in Nigeria

Shortly following the initial strikes, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth warned of more strikes against ISIS locations in the region.

Hegseth described the strikes as part of efforts to halt the targeting of Christian individuals, a position reiterated by the ex-commander in chief. In a social media post, Hegseth wrote, "The president was clear... the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria must cease. More to come..."

Supporters' Response to the Military Action

The holiday military operation were met with praise by some supporters of the ex-leader, who had been calling for a strong military reaction to the attacks against Christians.

"There is no a more fitting manner to celebrate Christmas than by avenging the death of Christians," commented one prominent activist on social media.

Main Takeaways from the Revelations

• Intelligence Sharing: Nigeria supplied key intelligence for the US-led airstrikes.
• Presidential Authorization: President Bola Tinubu personally authorized the strikes.
• Continuous Effort: The operation is viewed as an "continuing mission" with the possibility of future actions.
• Non-Religious Aim: Nigerian officials maintain the targeting are focused on counter-terrorism, not religion.
• American Stance: A top American official has indicated further strikes are likely.

This development highlights the evolving military partnership between the West African nation and the US in addressing militant groups in the region.