Nigeria provided intelligence to the United States that preceded U.S. military strikes against Islamic State militants in the northwest of the country on Christmas Day, according to Nigeria's foreign ministry. The disclosure followed a statement by former U.S. President Donald Trump on his Truth Social platform on Thursday, claiming responsibility for the strikes and asserting they targeted ISIS terrorists who were killing Christians.
Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar told ChannelsTV that he had spoken with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, confirming Nigeria's role in providing intelligence. "We spoke twice. We spoke for 19 minutes," Tuggar said.
Trump's statement claimed the strikes were in response to the targeting of Christians. "Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries! I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was. The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing."
The U.S. military's involvement in Nigeria raises questions about the extent of counter-terrorism cooperation between the two nations, particularly given Nigeria's ongoing struggle with various Islamist militant groups, including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), in the northeast. These groups have been responsible for widespread violence, displacement, and humanitarian crises affecting millions in the Lake Chad region.
The targeting of civilians, regardless of religious affiliation, by militant groups has been a persistent concern in Nigeria. While Trump's statement focused on the targeting of Christians, the conflict has affected people of various faiths and ethnicities. Some analysts suggest that framing the conflict along religious lines risks exacerbating existing tensions and undermining efforts to build national unity.
The Nigerian government has been working to combat terrorism through military operations, regional cooperation, and efforts to address the underlying socio-economic factors that contribute to radicalization. The extent to which the U.S. military will continue to be involved in counter-terrorism operations in Nigeria remains unclear. The U.S. government has not yet issued a formal statement.
Multi-Source Journalism
This article synthesizes reporting from multiple credible news sources to provide comprehensive, balanced coverage.
Deep insights powered by AI
Continue exploring
The surge in AI-driven cloud computing is creating a shortage of RAM chips, a critical component for everyday devices. This imbalance in supply and demand is predicted to increase the prices of smartphones, computers, and other technology-powered products, impacting consumers globally.
President Trump will host President Zelenskyy at Mar-a-Lago to discuss potential peace agreements to end the nearly four-year Russia-Ukraine war, focusing on security, economic agreements, and territorial disputes. Russia has intensified attacks on Kyiv ahead of the meeting, increasing pressure as Zelenskyy emphasizes Ukraine's commitment to peace and the need for strength in negotiations.
Ukraine's Museum of Strategic Missile Forces serves as a poignant reminder of the nation's Cold War history and its subsequent decision to dismantle its nuclear arsenal in exchange for security assurances. Amidst the current conflict with Russia, many Ukrainians now view this disarmament as a critical error, fueling debates about sovereignty, international agreements, and the shifting balance of power in the region. The museum underscores the complex legacy of nuclear weapons and their impact on Ukraine's geopolitical standing.
Incoming Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, faces immediate pressure to halt a £100M fund established to atone for the Church of England's historical ties to slavery. Conservative MPs and peers argue the fund's purpose conflicts with charity law, sparking debate over the ethical and legal implications of addressing historical injustices through financial reparations.
Conservative politicians are challenging the Church of England's plan to allocate £100 million for slavery reparations, arguing the funds are legally restricted to church and clergy expenses. This dispute highlights the complex ethical considerations of historical accountability and resource allocation, as institutions grapple with addressing past injustices through financial means. The debate also underscores the challenges of balancing legal obligations with moral imperatives in the pursuit of restorative justice.
A technology correspondent discovered a heightened awareness of their surroundings after ceasing constant podcast consumption, highlighting how habitual tech use can alter sensory experiences. This personal experiment raises questions about the broader societal impact of pervasive audio media on attention spans and our connection to the physical world.
Katie Wilson, a political newcomer, defied expectations by winning the Seattle mayoral race through a focus on affordability and social media savvy. Her victory offers insights into the evolving landscape of American politics, particularly the rise of progressive ideals and the effectiveness of new media strategies. Wilson's approach challenges conventional political wisdom and sparks a conversation about the future of urban leadership.
A recent poll reveals a significant surge in young American women desiring to leave the U.S., potentially influenced by political factors and a yearning for better work-life balance. This growing trend highlights a desire for change and a search for alternative lifestyles beyond American borders.
Amidst rising global tensions, President Trump ordered airstrikes against ISIS camps in Nigeria following alleged attacks on US troops and civilians. This action follows Trump's prior threats of military intervention in Nigeria to prevent the persecution of Christians, highlighting the complex intersection of religious freedom, counterterrorism efforts, and US foreign policy in the region.
In 2025, amidst global challenges, acts of extraordinary altruism continue to emerge, demonstrating humanity's capacity to risk personal safety for others. These stories, reminiscent of Larissa MacFarquhar's "Strangers Drowning," explore the motivations behind individuals who prioritize helping others, even at great personal cost, prompting reflection on varying perspectives of altruism across cultures.
Jamie Campbell Bower reveals that his portrayal of Mr. WhatsIt in *Stranger Things 5* draws inspiration from cult leader Jim Jones, utilizing AI-driven acting techniques to achieve a chilling performance. This raises ethical questions about AI's role in depicting sensitive historical figures and the potential impact on viewers' perceptions of cult dynamics.
Jamie Lee Curtis dodged a demonic bullet, revealing her mother, Janet Leigh, blocked her from auditioning for "The Exorcist" at age 12! This peek into Hollywood parenting highlights the delicate balance between fame and a normal childhood, a decision fans are applauding as Curtis continues her reign as scream queen.
Discussion
Join the conversation
Be the first to comment