Nigeria Reveals It Provided Intelligence for Christmas Day Airstrikes as US Official Predicts of Additional Attacks

Nigeria's foreign ministry has announced that it played a role in the American military operation conducted on Christmas Day, as stated by the country's foreign minister this week.

Former President Donald Trump had announced the aerial attacks against Islamic State militants in north-west Nigeria after a period of decrying the organization for targeting Christians.

Extensive Discussions Preceded the Military Action

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

He also noted that Nigeria's president, Bola Tinubu, had given the "go-ahead" for the airstrikes. Tuggar did not rule out further strikes, characterizing them as an "ongoing process" that would also involve international partners.

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

American Official Predicts of More Actions in Nigeria

Shortly following the initial strikes, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth warned of more strikes against Islamic State targets in the region.

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

Supporters' Response to the Airstrikes

The holiday military operation were hailed by certain political allies of the former president, 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 responding to the killings of Christians," commented one well-known political figure on social media.

Key Points from the Announcement

• Cooperation: Nigeria supplied crucial information for the US-led operation.
• High-Level Approval: President Bola Tinubu gave the green light for the strikes.
• Continuous Effort: The operation is described as an "continuing mission" with potential for more strikes.
• Secular Objective: Nigerian officials maintain the strikes are focused on counter-terrorism, not religious affiliation.
• US Commitment: A top American official has signaled additional strikes are on the horizon.

The situation underscores the complex military partnership between the West African nation and the United States in addressing militant groups in the Sahel area.