It’s Nigeria That Provided the Intelligence: Tuggar Says U.S. Airstrike Is Proof of Strong Joint War on Terro
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has revealed that Nigerian intelligence services played a central role in the recent United States airstrike targeting terrorist elements, describing the operation as a major breakthrough in ongoing security cooperation between both countries.
Speaking on the development, Tuggar said the strike was the result of close coordination between Nigerian authorities and their American counterparts, built on shared intelligence and a common resolve to curb terrorism and protect innocent lives.
According to the minister, Nigeria has long sought deeper operational collaboration with the United States and other international partners to confront the growing threat posed by extremist groups. He noted that the latest action reflects years of engagement and trust between both governments.
“This is what we have always been hoping for, to work closely with the Americans and other countries to combat terrorism and stop the death of innocent Nigerians,” Tuggar said.
He described the development as a clear vindication of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, especially in the face of criticism from those who believed the government was slow or inactive in addressing the country’s security challenges.
“This is a vindication of the Tinubu administration for those who thought there was foot dragging or that the government was not doing enough,” he added.
Tuggar disclosed that he held an extensive 19-minute phone conversation with the United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, during which both sides discussed the intelligence inputs and the next steps in the joint operation.
“We spoke extensively and agreed that I would speak with President Tinubu to give the go-ahead,” he said. “We also agreed that the statement that would follow would clearly show that this was a strike against terrorism, part of an ongoing joint operation between Nigeria and the United States.”
The foreign affairs minister stressed that the operation must not be misinterpreted or politicized, making it clear that it had no religious undertone.
“This has nothing to do with religion. It is about protecting Nigerians,” Tuggar emphasized.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships in intelligence sharing, surveillance, and counterterrorism operations, noting that such cooperation is critical to restoring peace in communities affected by violent extremism.
The disclosure places Nigeria at the center of the intelligence effort behind the U.S. action and signals a renewed phase of security collaboration under the Tinubu administration, as the government intensifies efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and safeguard lives across the country.
