The Nigerian Government Discloses It Supplied Key Information for US-Led Airstrikes as Defense Secretary Warns of More Operations

Nigeria's foreign ministry has confirmed that it provided crucial intelligence in the US airstrikes carried out on December 25, according to the nation's foreign minister on Friday.

Ex-President Donald Trump had announced the strikes against Islamic State fighters in the northwestern region of Nigeria after spending weeks criticizing the group for targeting Christian communities.

Extensive Consultations Preceded the Operation

Nigeria's foreign minister, Yusuf Tuggar, indicated that he had engaged in "extensive" phone conversations with America's top diplomat Marco Rubio immediately before and after the attack.

He also noted that Nigeria's president, Bola Tinubu, had given the "go-ahead" for the military action. Tuggar did not rule out further strikes, describing them as an "continuous effort" that would also involve other countries.

"The strikes had no connection to a particular religion," Tuggar insisted in an discussion with the BBC. "It is to do with attacking terrorists who have been killing Nigerians."

US Warns of More Actions in Nigeria

Shortly following the initial strikes, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth cautioned of more strikes against Islamic State targets in north-western Nigeria.

Hegseth described the strikes as part of efforts to halt the killing of Christians, a stance echoed by the ex-commander in chief. In a public statement, Hegseth stated, "The president was explicit... the murder of innocent Christians in Nigeria must end. More to come..."

Political Reaction to the Military Action

The Christmas Day strikes were met with praise by certain political allies of the ex-leader, who had been agitating for a forceful response to the violence against Christians.

"There is no a better way to celebrate Christmas than by avenging the death of Christians," posted one well-known political figure on a digital platform.

Main Takeaways from the Revelations

• Cooperation: Nigeria supplied key intelligence for the American operation.
• High-Level Approval: President Bola Tinubu gave the green light for the military action.
• Ongoing Process: The campaign 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 religion.
• American Stance: A senior US defense leader has indicated further strikes are on the horizon.

This development highlights the complex military partnership between Nigeria and the United States in addressing militant groups in the Sahel area.