The Federal Government has confirmed that Nigeria provided key military intelligence used by the United States in carrying out recent airstrikes on terrorist targets in Sokoto State and parts of northern Nigeria.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, disclosed this on Friday during an interview on Channels Television, where he explained that the operation was a joint effort between Nigeria and the United States aimed at degrading terrorist networks operating in the region.

According to Tuggar, Nigerian authorities were in direct communication with the U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, shortly before the strikes were executed. 

He revealed that discussions took place approximately 19 minutes before the operation and again about five minutes prior to the launch of the airstrikes.

“It was Nigeria that provided the intelligence for the U.S. strike. We spoke with the U.S. Secretary of State twice—first about 19 minutes before the strike and again five minutes before it commenced,” Tuggar said.

The minister stressed that Nigeria remains committed to collaborating with international partners, including the United States, to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of violent crime threatening the lives of citizens.

He further confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the operation before it was carried out, emphasizing that the action was carefully coordinated and not targeted at any religious or ethnic group.

“The President made it clear before giving the go-ahead that this was a joint operation and that it must not be portrayed as targeting any religion. Nigeria is a multi-religious country, and our collaboration with partners like the United States is solely to safeguard lives and property,” Tuggar added.

The airstrikes have generated widespread public debate, with security analysts and religious leaders offering differing views on foreign military involvement in Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts. While some have welcomed the collaboration as a boost to Nigeria’s security capacity, others have expressed concerns over the implications of external military action.

Despite the mixed reactions, the Federal Government maintains that the operation reflects its determination to leverage strategic partnerships in addressing insecurity and restoring stability across the country.