The Nigerian Government Confirms It Furnished Intelligence for Christmas Day Airstrikes as Defense Secretary Warns of More Operations
The Nigerian foreign ministry has confirmed that it played a role 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 aerial attacks targeting ISIS fighters in the northwestern region of Nigeria after spending weeks decrying the group for targeting Christian communities.
Detailed Consultations Came Before the Military Action
Nigeria's foreign minister, Yusuf Tuggar, explained that he had held "lengthy" phone conversations with America's top diplomat Marco Rubio both prior to and following the attack.
He also noted that Nigeria's leader, Bola Tinubu, had approved for the military action. Tuggar left the door open for additional operations, describing them as an "ongoing process" that would also involve international partners.
"The strikes had no connection to a particular religion," Tuggar insisted in an interview with the BBC. "It is to do with attacking terrorists who have been murdering Nigerian citizens."
American Official Predicts of More Strikes in Nigeria
Shortly following the initial strikes, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth cautioned of additional military actions against ISIS locations in the region.
Hegseth described the strikes as part of a mission to stop the targeting of Christian individuals, a stance reiterated 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 Airstrikes
The holiday military operation were hailed by some political allies 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 observe the holiday than by responding to the killings of Christians," posted one well-known activist on social media.
Key Points from the Announcement
- Intelligence Sharing: Nigeria actively provided key intelligence for the US-led airstrikes.
- Presidential Authorization: President Bola Tinubu personally authorized the strikes.
- 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 combating militants, not religious affiliation.
- American Stance: A top American defense leader has indicated additional strikes are on the horizon.
This development highlights the complex security cooperation between Nigeria and the US in combating terrorist threats in the Sahel area.