The Nigerian Government Reveals It Supplied Key Information for Recent Military Strikes as US Official Predicts of Additional Attacks

The Nigerian foreign ministry 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 on Friday.

Ex-President Donald Trump previously declared the aerial attacks targeting Islamic State militants in north-west Nigeria after a period of decrying the group for attacking Christians.

Detailed Consultations Preceded the Operation

Nigeria's foreign minister, Yusuf Tuggar, explained that he had held "extensive" discussions with America's top diplomat Marco Rubio immediately prior to and following the airstrike.

He further added that Nigeria's president, Bola Tinubu, had approved for the military action. Tuggar left the door open for additional operations, characterizing them as an "continuous effort" that would potentially include other countries.

"This operation had nothing to do with a particular religion," Tuggar emphasized in an discussion with the BBC. "It is to do with targeting militants who have been killing Nigerians."

US Warns of More Actions in Nigeria

Hours after the initial strikes, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth cautioned of additional military actions against Islamic State targets in the region.

Hegseth described the strikes as part of a mission to stop the killing of Christians, a position echoed by the former president. In a social media post, Hegseth stated, "The president was clear... the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria must cease. More to come..."

Supporters' Response to the Military Action

The Christmas Day strikes were hailed by certain supporters of the ex-leader, who had been calling for a forceful response to the violence against Christians.

"I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Christmas than by avenging the death of Christians," commented one well-known activist on a digital platform.

Key Points from the Revelations

• Intelligence Sharing: Nigeria supplied crucial information for the US-led airstrikes.
• Presidential Authorization: President Bola Tinubu gave the green light for the military action.
• Ongoing Process: The operation is described as an "continuing mission" with potential for future actions.
• Non-Religious Aim: Nigerian officials strongly insist the strikes are focused on combating militants, not religious affiliation.
• US Commitment: A senior US official has indicated additional military actions are likely.

This development highlights the evolving security cooperation between the West African nation and the US in addressing militant groups in the Sahel area.