The Nigerian Government Discloses It Supplied Key Information for Recent Military Strikes as US Official Predicts of More Operations

The Nigerian government has confirmed that it provided crucial intelligence in the US airstrikes carried out on December 25, as stated by the nation's foreign minister on Friday.

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

Extensive Discussions Preceded the Operation

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

He also noted that Nigeria's president, Bola Tinubu, had given the "go-ahead" for the airstrikes. Tuggar left the door open for further strikes, describing them as an "ongoing process" that would also involve other countries.

"This operation had nothing to do with a specific faith," Tuggar insisted in an discussion with the BBC. "It is about attacking terrorists who have been killing Nigerians."

US Warns of More Actions in Nigeria

Shortly following the initial strikes, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth cautioned of more strikes against ISIS locations in north-western Nigeria.

Hegseth characterized the action as part of efforts to halt the killing of Christians, a stance reiterated by the ex-commander in chief. In a public statement, Hegseth wrote, "He was clear... the murder of innocent Christians in Nigeria must cease. More to come..."

Political Reaction 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 forceful response to the attacks against Christians.

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

Key Points from the Revelations

• Intelligence Sharing: Nigeria supplied key intelligence for the US-led operation.
• High-Level Approval: President Bola Tinubu gave the green light for the military action.
• Continuous Effort: The campaign is viewed as an "ongoing process" with the possibility of more strikes.
• Secular Objective: Nigerian officials maintain the targeting are solely about combating militants, not religious affiliation.
• American Stance: A senior US defense leader has indicated additional strikes are on the horizon.

This development underscores the evolving security cooperation between the West African nation and the United States in combating terrorist threats in the Sahel area.