🔗 Share this article Nigeria Confirms It Supplied Intelligence for Christmas Day Airstrikes as US Official Warns of Additional Attacks Nigeria's government has announced that it played a role in the American military operation carried out on December 25, as stated by the country's foreign minister this week. Former President Donald Trump had announced the aerial attacks targeting ISIS militants in the northwestern region of Nigeria after spending weeks decrying the organization for targeting Christians. Detailed Discussions Came Before the Military Action Nigeria's top diplomat, Yusuf Tuggar, indicated that he had engaged in "extensive" phone conversations with America's top diplomat Marco Rubio both before and after the attack. He also noted that Nigeria's leader, Bola Tinubu, had granted authorization for the military action. Tuggar left the door open for additional operations, characterizing them as an "continuous effort" that would potentially include international partners. "The strikes had no connection to a specific faith," Tuggar insisted in an interview with the BBC. "The objective is about targeting militants who have been murdering Nigerian citizens." American Official Predicts of More Strikes in Nigeria Hours after the Christmas Day operation, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned of additional military actions against Islamic State targets in north-western Nigeria. Hegseth described the strikes as part of a mission to halt the targeting of Christian individuals, a stance reiterated by the ex-commander in chief. In a social media post, Hegseth wrote, "The president was clear... the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria must cease. More to come..." Supporters' Response to the Airstrikes The Christmas Day strikes were hailed by certain 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 celebrate Christmas than by responding to the killings of Christians," commented one well-known political figure on a digital platform. Key Points from the Announcement Cooperation: Nigeria actively provided crucial information for the American airstrikes. Presidential Authorization: President Bola Tinubu personally authorized the strikes. Ongoing Process: The operation is viewed as an "continuing mission" with the possibility of more strikes. Non-Religious Aim: Nigerian officials maintain the strikes are focused on combating militants, not religion. American Stance: A top American defense leader has indicated additional military actions are likely. This development highlights the evolving security cooperation between Nigeria and the US in combating terrorist threats in the region.
Nigeria's government has announced that it played a role in the American military operation carried out on December 25, as stated by the country's foreign minister this week. Former President Donald Trump had announced the aerial attacks targeting ISIS militants in the northwestern region of Nigeria after spending weeks decrying the organization for targeting Christians. Detailed Discussions Came Before the Military Action Nigeria's top diplomat, Yusuf Tuggar, indicated that he had engaged in "extensive" phone conversations with America's top diplomat Marco Rubio both before and after the attack. He also noted that Nigeria's leader, Bola Tinubu, had granted authorization for the military action. Tuggar left the door open for additional operations, characterizing them as an "continuous effort" that would potentially include international partners. "The strikes had no connection to a specific faith," Tuggar insisted in an interview with the BBC. "The objective is about targeting militants who have been murdering Nigerian citizens." American Official Predicts of More Strikes in Nigeria Hours after the Christmas Day operation, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned of additional military actions against Islamic State targets in north-western Nigeria. Hegseth described the strikes as part of a mission to halt the targeting of Christian individuals, a stance reiterated by the ex-commander in chief. In a social media post, Hegseth wrote, "The president was clear... the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria must cease. More to come..." Supporters' Response to the Airstrikes The Christmas Day strikes were hailed by certain 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 celebrate Christmas than by responding to the killings of Christians," commented one well-known political figure on a digital platform. Key Points from the Announcement Cooperation: Nigeria actively provided crucial information for the American airstrikes. Presidential Authorization: President Bola Tinubu personally authorized the strikes. Ongoing Process: The operation is viewed as an "continuing mission" with the possibility of more strikes. Non-Religious Aim: Nigerian officials maintain the strikes are focused on combating militants, not religion. American Stance: A top American defense leader has indicated additional military actions are likely. This development highlights the evolving security cooperation between Nigeria and the US in combating terrorist threats in the region.