Tuggar Confirms Nigeria Supplied Intelligence For U.S. Airstrike In Sokoto

According to official statements, the Nigerian government confirmed that it provided critical intelligence for the United States’ airstrikes in Sokoto State and other parts of Northern Nigeria.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, disclosed this information during an interview on Friday, noting that Nigerian authorities were in direct communication with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio both shortly before and immediately prior to the operation.

Tuggar emphasized that Nigeria remains committed to collaborating with international partners, including the United States, to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnappings, and other criminal activities that threaten innocent lives.

“It was Nigeria that provided intelligence for the U.S. strike. We spoke with Secretary Rubio twice: once 19 minutes before the strike and again five minutes before it occurred,” Tuggar stated.

The minister further clarified that the airstrike represents a coordinated effort between Nigeria and the United States, with approval from President Bola Tinubu. He stressed that the operation does not target any specific religion or ethnic group.

“Now that the U.S. is cooperating, we are conducting this operation jointly. As the President emphasized before giving the go-ahead, it is a shared mission and not directed at any religion. Nigeria is a multi-religious nation, and our partnership with the U.S. aims to fight terrorism and protect the lives and property of Nigerians,” Tuggar added.