Nigeria Discloses It Furnished Key Information for Christmas Day Airstrikes as Defense Secretary Warns of Additional Operations

Nigeria's foreign ministry has announced that it provided crucial intelligence in the US airstrikes carried out on December 25, according to the country's foreign minister this week.

Former President Donald Trump had announced the strikes targeting Islamic State fighters in the northwestern region of Nigeria after spending weeks criticizing the group for attacking Christians.

Detailed Consultations Preceded the Operation

Nigeria's foreign minister, Yusuf Tuggar, stated that he had engaged in "extensive" discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio both prior to and following the attack.

He also noted that Nigeria's leader, Bola Tinubu, had approved for the military action. Tuggar left the door open for further strikes, describing them as an "ongoing process" that would also involve other countries.

"The strikes had nothing to do with a particular religion," Tuggar insisted in an discussion with the BBC. "The objective is about attacking terrorists who have been murdering Nigerian citizens."

American Official Predicts of Further Strikes in Nigeria

Hours after the Christmas Day operation, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned of additional military actions against ISIS locations in the region.

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

Supporters' Response to the Military Action

The Christmas Day strikes were hailed by some political allies of the ex-leader, who had been calling for a strong military reaction to the violence against Christians.

"There is no a more fitting manner to observe the holiday than by responding to the killings of Christians," posted one well-known political figure on social media.

Key Points from the Announcement

• Cooperation: Nigeria supplied key intelligence for the US-led airstrikes.
• Presidential Authorization: President Bola Tinubu personally authorized the military action.
• Continuous Effort: The campaign is viewed as an "ongoing process" with the possibility of more strikes.
• Secular Objective: Nigerian officials strongly insist the targeting are focused on combating militants, not religion.
• American Stance: A top American official has signaled further strikes are likely.

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