The Nigerian Government Reveals It Supplied Key Information for US-Led Military Strikes as US Official Predicts of Additional Operations

Nigeria's government has announced that it provided crucial intelligence in the US airstrikes conducted on Christmas Day, as stated by the nation's foreign minister on Friday.

Ex-President Donald Trump previously declared the strikes targeting ISIS fighters in north-west Nigeria after a period of criticizing the organization for attacking Christians.

Detailed Discussions Preceded the Operation

Nigeria's foreign minister, Yusuf Tuggar, explained that he had engaged in "extensive" discussions with America's top diplomat Marco Rubio both prior to and following the attack.

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

"This operation 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 killing Nigerians."

US Warns of More Actions in Nigeria

Hours after the initial strikes, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned of more strikes against ISIS locations in north-western Nigeria.

Hegseth described the strikes as part of a mission to halt the killing of Christians, a stance echoed by the ex-commander in chief. In a public statement, Hegseth wrote, "He was explicit... the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria must end. More to come..."

Political Reaction to the Airstrikes

The holiday military operation were hailed by some supporters of the ex-leader, who had been calling for a strong military reaction to the violence against Christians.

"There is no a more fitting manner to celebrate Christmas than by responding to the killings of Christians," posted one well-known political figure on a digital platform.

Key Points from the Revelations

• Cooperation: Nigeria supplied key intelligence for the American operation.
• High-Level Approval: President Bola Tinubu gave the green light for the strikes.
• Ongoing Process: The campaign is viewed as an "ongoing process" with the possibility of future actions.
• Non-Religious Aim: Nigerian officials strongly insist the targeting are solely about combating militants, not religious affiliation.
• American Stance: A senior US defense leader has indicated further military actions are likely.

The situation underscores the evolving security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in combating terrorist threats in the region.