The Nigerian Government Reveals It Furnished Key Information for Christmas Day Airstrikes as Defense Secretary Warns of More Operations

The Nigerian foreign ministry has stated that it played a role in the American military operation conducted on Christmas Day, according to the country's foreign minister this week.

Former President Donald Trump had announced the strikes against Islamic State fighters in north-west Nigeria after a period of decrying the organization for targeting Christian communities.

Detailed Consultations Came Before the Military Action

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

He further added that Nigeria's leader, Bola Tinubu, had granted authorization for the airstrikes. Tuggar did not rule out further strikes, characterizing them as an "continuous effort" that would also involve international partners.

"The strikes had no connection to a particular religion," Tuggar insisted in an interview with the BBC. "It is about targeting militants who have been killing Nigerians."

US Warns of Further Strikes in Nigeria

Hours after the initial strikes, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth cautioned of additional military actions against ISIS locations in north-western Nigeria.

Hegseth described the strikes as part of a mission to halt the killing of Christians, a stance reiterated by the ex-commander in chief. In a public statement, Hegseth wrote, "He 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 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 avenging the death of Christians," posted one prominent political figure on social media.

Main Takeaways from the Revelations

• Cooperation: Nigeria supplied key intelligence for the American operation.
• Presidential Authorization: President Bola Tinubu personally authorized the military action.
• Continuous Effort: The campaign is viewed as an "continuing mission" with the possibility of future actions.
• Non-Religious Aim: Nigerian officials maintain the targeting are solely about combating militants, not religion.
• US Commitment: A top American official has signaled further military actions are likely.

This development underscores the evolving security cooperation between Nigeria and the US in combating terrorist threats in the region.