The Nigerian Government Confirms It Furnished Intelligence for Christmas Day Airstrikes as US Official Predicts of More Operations
The Nigerian foreign ministry has confirmed that it provided crucial intelligence in the US airstrikes conducted on December 25, as stated by the nation's foreign minister on Friday.
Former President Donald Trump had announced the aerial attacks targeting Islamic State militants in north-west Nigeria after spending weeks decrying the group for attacking Christian communities.
Detailed Consultations Preceded the Operation
Nigeria's foreign minister, Yusuf Tuggar, explained that he had engaged in "lengthy" phone conversations with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio both prior to and following the attack.
He also noted that Nigeria's leader, Bola Tinubu, had granted authorization for the military action. Tuggar did not rule out further strikes, characterizing them as an "ongoing process" that would potentially include international partners.
"The strikes had no connection to a particular religion," Tuggar insisted in an interview with the BBC. "It is to do with targeting militants who have been killing Nigerians."
American Official Predicts of More Strikes in Nigeria
Hours after the Christmas Day operation, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth cautioned of more strikes against Islamic State targets in north-western Nigeria.
Hegseth described the strikes as part of a mission to halt the targeting of Christian individuals, a stance reiterated by the ex-commander in chief. In a public statement, Hegseth wrote, "The president was clear... the murder of innocent Christians in Nigeria must end. More to come..."
Political Reaction to the Military Action
The holiday military operation were hailed by some political allies of the ex-leader, who had been agitating for a strong military reaction to the attacks against Christians.
"I can’t think of a more fitting manner to celebrate Christmas than by responding to the killings of Christians," commented one prominent activist on social media.
Key Points from the Revelations
- Cooperation: Nigeria actively provided key intelligence for the American operation.
- Presidential Authorization: President Bola Tinubu personally authorized the military action.
- Ongoing Process: The operation is viewed as an "ongoing process" with potential for more strikes.
- Non-Religious Aim: Nigerian officials maintain the targeting are solely about counter-terrorism, not religion.
- American Stance: A senior US official has indicated further military actions are on the horizon.
The situation highlights the complex security cooperation between Nigeria and the US in addressing militant groups in the Sahel area.