The Nigerian Government Confirms It Supplied Key Information for US-Led Airstrikes as US Official Warns of Additional Attacks

Nigeria's government 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 previously declared the aerial attacks against Islamic State fighters in north-west Nigeria after spending weeks criticizing the organization for targeting Christians.

Extensive Discussions Came Before the Military Action

Nigeria's foreign minister, Yusuf Tuggar, explained that he had engaged in "lengthy" phone conversations with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio immediately prior to and following the airstrike.

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

"The strikes had nothing to do with a specific faith," 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

Shortly following the Christmas Day operation, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned of more strikes against Islamic State targets in the region.

Hegseth characterized the action as part of efforts to halt the targeting of Christian individuals, a stance echoed by the former president. In a public statement, Hegseth wrote, "He was clear... the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria must end. More to come..."

Supporters' Response to the Airstrikes

The Christmas Day strikes were hailed by certain supporters of the former president, who had been calling for a strong military reaction to the attacks against Christians.

"I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Christmas than by responding to the killings of Christians," commented one well-known activist on social media.

Main Takeaways from the Revelations

• Intelligence Sharing: Nigeria supplied crucial information for the US-led operation.
• High-Level Approval: President Bola Tinubu personally authorized the military action.
• Ongoing Process: The campaign is viewed as an "continuing mission" with the possibility of future actions.
• Non-Religious Aim: Nigerian officials strongly insist the targeting are focused on combating militants, not religion.
• American Stance: A top American defense leader has signaled further military actions are likely.

The situation underscores the evolving military partnership between the West African nation and the United States in combating terrorist threats in the region.