Nigeria Confirms It Provided Key Information for US-Led Airstrikes as US Official Predicts of More Attacks

The Nigerian government has stated that it played a role in the American military operation conducted on December 25, as stated by the country's foreign minister on Friday.

Former President Donald Trump previously declared the strikes targeting Islamic State militants in north-west Nigeria after a period of decrying the organization for targeting Christians.

Extensive Consultations Came Before the Operation

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

He also noted that Nigeria's leader, Bola Tinubu, had granted authorization for the airstrikes. Tuggar left the door open for further strikes, describing them as an "continuous effort" that would also involve international partners.

"The strikes had no connection to a specific faith," Tuggar insisted in an discussion with the BBC. "The objective is to do with targeting militants who have been murdering Nigerian citizens."

American Official Predicts of More Strikes in Nigeria

Hours after the initial strikes, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth cautioned of additional military actions against ISIS locations in the region.

Hegseth characterized the action as part of efforts to halt the killing of Christians, a position reiterated by the former president. In a public statement, Hegseth wrote, "The president was explicit... the killing of Christian civilians 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 ex-leader, who had been agitating for a strong military reaction to the violence against Christians.

"There is no a better way to celebrate Christmas than by avenging the death of Christians," posted one prominent activist on social media.

Key Points from the Revelations

• Intelligence Sharing: Nigeria supplied key intelligence for the US-led airstrikes.
• Presidential Authorization: President Bola Tinubu gave the green light for the military action.
• Ongoing Process: The campaign is viewed as an "ongoing process" with potential for more strikes.
• Non-Religious Aim: Nigerian officials strongly insist the targeting are solely about combating militants, not religious affiliation.
• US Commitment: A top American official has signaled additional strikes are on the horizon.

This development underscores the complex military partnership between Nigeria and the US in combating militant groups in the Sahel area.