The Nigerian Government Reveals It Supplied Intelligence for Recent Military Strikes as Defense Secretary Predicts of More Attacks

Nigeria's government has stated that it played a role in the American military operation conducted on December 25, according to the country's foreign minister on Friday.

Former President Donald Trump had announced the aerial attacks targeting Islamic State fighters in the northwestern region of Nigeria after spending weeks criticizing the organization for targeting Christian communities.

Extensive Discussions Came Before the Operation

Nigeria's foreign minister, Yusuf Tuggar, explained that he had held "lengthy" phone conversations with America's top diplomat Marco Rubio immediately prior to and following the airstrike.

He further added that Nigeria's president, Bola Tinubu, had granted authorization for the military action. Tuggar did not rule out additional operations, describing them as an "ongoing process" that would also involve international partners.

"This operation 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 murdering Nigerian citizens."

US Warns of More Strikes in Nigeria

Hours after the Christmas Day operation, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth cautioned of more strikes against ISIS locations in the region.

Hegseth characterized the action as part of a mission to halt the killing of Christians, a position echoed by the ex-commander in chief. In a public statement, Hegseth wrote, "He was explicit... the murder of Christian civilians in Nigeria must end. More to come..."

Political Reaction to the Military Action

The Christmas Day strikes were met with praise by some supporters of the former president, who had been calling for a forceful response to the violence against Christians.

"There is no a more fitting manner to observe the holiday than by avenging the death of Christians," commented one well-known activist on social media.

Main Takeaways from the Announcement

• Intelligence Sharing: Nigeria actively provided crucial information for the US-led airstrikes.
• High-Level Approval: President Bola Tinubu personally authorized the military action.
• Ongoing Process: The operation is viewed as an "continuing mission" with the possibility of more strikes.
• Non-Religious Aim: Nigerian officials maintain the targeting are solely about counter-terrorism, not religion.
• US Commitment: A top American defense leader has signaled further military actions are on the horizon.

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