The Nigerian Government Reveals It Furnished Key Information for Recent Airstrikes as US Official Predicts of More Attacks

Nigeria's government has announced that it played a role in the American military operation conducted on Christmas Day, according to the country's foreign minister this week.

Ex-President Donald Trump had announced the aerial attacks targeting ISIS fighters in the northwestern region of Nigeria after a period of decrying the organization for targeting Christians.

Extensive Consultations Came Before the Operation

Nigeria's foreign minister, Yusuf Tuggar, stated that he had held "extensive" discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio immediately before and after the attack.

He also noted that Nigeria's leader, Bola Tinubu, had granted authorization for the military action. Tuggar did not rule out additional operations, describing them as an "ongoing process" that would potentially include international partners.

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

American Official Predicts of Further Actions in Nigeria

Shortly following the initial strikes, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth cautioned of additional military actions against Islamic State targets in north-western Nigeria.

Hegseth described the strikes as part of a mission to stop the targeting of Christian individuals, a position echoed by the former president. In a social media post, Hegseth wrote, "He was clear... the murder of Christian civilians in Nigeria must end. More to come..."

Supporters' Response to the Airstrikes

The holiday military operation were met with praise by certain supporters of the former president, who had been calling for a strong military reaction to the attacks against Christians.

"There is no a more fitting manner to celebrate Christmas than by avenging the death of Christians," commented one prominent activist on social media.

Key Points from the Announcement

• Cooperation: Nigeria actively provided key intelligence for the American airstrikes.
• Presidential Authorization: President Bola Tinubu personally authorized the military action.
• Continuous Effort: The operation is viewed as an "continuing mission" with potential for future actions.
• Non-Religious Aim: Nigerian officials maintain the strikes are focused on combating militants, not religious affiliation.
• US Commitment: A top American official has signaled additional military actions are on the horizon.

This development underscores the complex security cooperation between Nigeria and the US in addressing terrorist threats in the region.