In a significant revelation, Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has confirmed that the Nigerian government not only approved but also supplied the crucial intelligence that led to a United States military airstrike on a terrorist camp in the country's northern region.
Direct Coordination Before the Strike
The decisive action took place on Christmas Day, December 25. Minister Tuggar, speaking in an interview on Channels Television on the morning of December 26, provided detailed insight into the high-level coordination between the two nations. He disclosed that he held a direct conversation with the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, for nineteen minutes prior to the operation.
"It was Nigeria that provided intelligence for the US strike in Nigeria," Tuggar stated emphatically. He further revealed that a second call lasting five minutes occurred just before the strikes were executed, underscoring the close cooperation and Nigerian government's full awareness and authorization of the mission.
US Confirms Operation at Nigeria's Request
The United States Department of Defense officially acknowledged the operation on Thursday, December 26. In its statement, the Pentagon reported that the airstrikes resulted in the deaths of multiple fighters affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS). Crucially, the US emphasized that the military action was "conducted at the request of Nigerian authorities," aligning perfectly with Minister Tuggar's account.
This confirmation from Washington solidifies the narrative of a collaborative effort rather than a unilateral foreign intervention on Nigerian soil. The operation highlights a growing partnership in counter-terrorism efforts in the region.
Presidential Approval and Stance on Extremism
US President Donald Trump also publicly confirmed the successful operation. He characterized the Christmas Day strikes as a decisive action against terrorist organizations. President Trump reiterated his administration's firm stance and continued commitment to combating the spread of extremist violence globally, with this operation serving as a clear example of that policy in action.
The combined statements from top officials in both Abuja and Washington paint a clear picture of a joint strategic move aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities in Northern Nigeria. This event marks a notable moment in Nigeria-US security relations, demonstrating a shared intelligence and operational framework to address mutual security threats.
