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

Nigeria's foreign ministry has stated that it played a role in the American military operation carried out on December 25, according to the country's foreign minister this week.

Ex-President Donald Trump previously declared the strikes against ISIS militants in north-west Nigeria after spending weeks decrying the group for targeting Christian communities.

Extensive Consultations Came Before the Military Action

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

He also noted that Nigeria's president, Bola Tinubu, had approved for the military action. Tuggar did not rule out further strikes, characterizing them as an "continuous effort" that would also involve other countries.

"The strikes had no connection to a particular religion," Tuggar emphasized in an interview with the BBC. "The objective is about attacking terrorists who have been killing Nigerians."

American Official Predicts of Further Strikes in Nigeria

Hours after the initial strikes, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned of more strikes against ISIS locations in north-western Nigeria.

Hegseth described the strikes as part of a mission to halt the killing of Christians, a position reiterated by the ex-commander in chief. In a social media post, Hegseth wrote, "The president was clear... the murder of innocent Christians in Nigeria must end. More to come..."

Supporters' Response to the Military Action

The holiday military operation were met with praise by certain political allies of the ex-leader, who had been agitating for a forceful response to the violence against Christians.

"There is no a better way to celebrate Christmas than by responding to the killings of Christians," posted one well-known activist on social media.

Main Takeaways from the Announcement

• Cooperation: Nigeria actively provided crucial information for the US-led operation.
• Presidential Authorization: President Bola Tinubu gave the green light for the military action.
• Ongoing Process: The operation is viewed as an "continuing mission" with potential for more strikes.
• Non-Religious Aim: Nigerian officials strongly insist the targeting are focused on counter-terrorism, not religious affiliation.
• American Stance: A top American official has indicated further strikes are on the horizon.

This development highlights the complex security cooperation between Nigeria and the US in addressing militant groups in the Sahel area.