Table of Contents

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has revealed that Nigeria supplied the intelligence that resulted in the recent airstrike conducted by the United States within the country as part of a collaborative counterterrorism initiative.

During an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday, Tuggar stated, “It was Nigeria that provided the intelligence for the US strike in Nigeria.”

He disclosed that he had thorough discussions with the United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, prior to the operation.

“I spoke on the phone for approximately 19 minutes with the US Secretary of State on two occasions,” he noted.

“We talked for 19 minutes before the strike and another five minutes just before it occurred,” he added.

The minister indicated that these discussions led to consultations with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“We agreed that I would consult with President Tinubu to obtain his approval, and I did. It was agreed upon,” Tuggar mentioned.

He also pointed out that both nations were in agreement regarding how the operation would be communicated to the public.

“We also concurred that the subsequent statement would clearly indicate that this was a strike against terrorism, as part of an ongoing joint operation between Nigeria and the United States,” he explained.

Tuggar emphasized that the operation did not have any religious implications.

“This is not related to religion. It is about safeguarding Nigerians,” the minister underscored.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the role of Nigeria in the recent US airstrike?

Nigeria provided the intelligence that led to the US airstrike as part of a joint counterterrorism operation.

Who did the Minister of Foreign Affairs consult with before the operation?

He consulted with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio prior to the operation.

Was there any religious context to the operation?

No, the operation was stated to have no religious undertones and was focused on protecting Nigerians.