The Nigerian Government Reveals It Furnished Intelligence for US-Led Airstrikes as Defense Secretary Warns of More Operations

Nigeria's government has stated that it provided crucial intelligence in the American military operation conducted on December 25, as stated by the nation's foreign minister on Friday.

Former President Donald Trump previously declared the strikes targeting ISIS fighters in the northwestern region of Nigeria after a period of criticizing the organization for attacking Christians.

Detailed Consultations Came Before the Military Action

Nigeria's top diplomat, Yusuf Tuggar, indicated that he had engaged in "lengthy" discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio immediately before and after the attack.

He further added that Nigeria's leader, 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 potentially include other countries.

"This operation had no connection to 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 Strikes in Nigeria

Shortly following the Christmas Day operation, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth cautioned of more strikes against Islamic State targets in north-western Nigeria.

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

Supporters' Response to the Military Action

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 attacks against Christians.

"There is no a better way to observe the holiday than by avenging the death of Christians," posted one prominent political figure on social media.

Key Points from the Announcement

• Cooperation: Nigeria supplied crucial information for the US-led operation.
• Presidential Authorization: President Bola Tinubu gave the green light for the strikes.
• Continuous Effort: The operation is viewed as an "ongoing process" with the possibility of more strikes.
• Secular Objective: Nigerian officials strongly insist the targeting are focused on counter-terrorism, not religion.
• US Commitment: A senior US official has signaled further strikes are on the horizon.

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