The Nigerian Government Discloses It Provided Intelligence for Recent Military Strikes as Defense Secretary Warns of More Operations

The Nigerian foreign ministry has confirmed that it provided crucial intelligence in the American military operation conducted on Christmas Day, as stated by the country's foreign minister this week.

Former President Donald Trump had announced the aerial attacks targeting ISIS fighters in north-west Nigeria after spending weeks decrying the organization for attacking Christians.

Extensive Consultations Came Before the Operation

Nigeria's top diplomat, Yusuf Tuggar, explained that he had held "extensive" discussions with America's top diplomat Marco Rubio immediately before and after the attack.

He further added that Nigeria's president, Bola Tinubu, had approved for the airstrikes. Tuggar left the door open for further strikes, characterizing them as an "ongoing process" that would also involve international partners.

"This operation had nothing to do with a particular religion," Tuggar insisted in an interview with the BBC. "It is about attacking terrorists who have been murdering Nigerian citizens."

US Warns of More Actions in Nigeria

Hours after the Christmas Day operation, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth warned of more strikes against Islamic State targets in north-western Nigeria.

Hegseth described the strikes as part of a mission to stop the targeting of Christian individuals, a position echoed by the ex-commander in chief. In a social media post, Hegseth stated, "The president 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 former president, who had been agitating for a strong military reaction to the violence against Christians.

"There is no a more fitting manner to observe the holiday than by avenging the death of Christians," posted one prominent activist on a digital platform.

Main Takeaways from the Revelations

• Intelligence Sharing: Nigeria actively provided crucial information for the American operation.
• High-Level Approval: President Bola Tinubu gave the green light for the military action.
• Continuous Effort: The operation is described as an "ongoing process" with potential for future actions.
• Non-Religious Aim: Nigerian officials strongly insist the strikes are solely about combating militants, not religious affiliation.
• US Commitment: A senior US defense leader has indicated additional strikes are likely.

The situation underscores the complex military partnership between Nigeria and the United States in addressing militant groups in the Sahel area.