The Federal Government of Nigeria has confirmed that it provided military intelligence that led to the United States’ airstrikes in Sokoto State and other parts of Northern Nigeria.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, disclosed this on Friday during an interview with Channels Television, stating that Nigerian authorities were in direct communication with the United States before and during the operation.
According to Tuggar, Nigeria spoke with the U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, shortly before the strikes commenced, reaffirming the country’s commitment to collaborative efforts against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities threatening innocent lives.
“It was Nigeria that provided the intelligence for the U.S. strike. We spoke with the U.S. Secretary of State twice — once 19 minutes before the strike and again five minutes before it was carried out,” Tuggar said.
He emphasized that the airstrikes were part of a joint operation between Nigeria and the United States, carried out with the approval of President Bola Tinubu. Tuggar stressed that the action was not targeted at any religion or ethnic group.
The minister added that Nigeria, as a multi-religious nation, will continue to work with international partners to combat terrorism and protect the lives and property of its citizens.
