Nigeria Supplied U.S. with Intelligence And Tinubu Gave The Go Ahead – Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has said the United States carried out its recent airstrikke on terrorist targets in Nigeria using intelligence supplied by Nigerian authorities and with the formal approval of the Federal Government.

Tuggar disclosed this on Friday during an interview on Channels Television, a day after the US confirmed the strike as part of its counter-terrorism operations. He said the action was a product of sustained security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States and was not influenced by religious considerations.

According to the minister, he held a 19-minute phone conversation with the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, during which the proposed strike was discussed. He said President Bola Tinubu was subsequently briefed and gave approval for the operation.

“It’s Nigeria that provided the intelligence,” Tuggar said. “After my discussion with Secretary Rubio, we agreed that I would speak with President Tinubu for his approval.

That approval was given, and it was also agreed that subsequent statements would clearly reflect that the strike was against terrorism and part of ongoing joint operations between Nigeria and the United States.”

He described the airstrike as a validation of the Tinubu administration’s security strategy and Nigeria’s push for stronger international cooperation against terrorism.

Tuggar added that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts remain inclusive and non-discriminatory.

“Our position has always been to work with all partners committed to fighting terrorism, regardless of religion, the identity of victims, or the form terrorism takes, including banditry,” he said.

He noted that the operation underscored the government’s resolve to curb insecurity and protect innocent lives.

“For those who felt the government was not doing enough, this shows clearly that we are committed and prepared to work with all countries to protect Nigerians,” Tuggar said.