Nigeria Will Consider U.S. ‘Boots on the Ground’ Based on Military Advice, Says Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar Amid Christmas Day Airstrikes

Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar stated that any decision to allow U.S. troops on Nigerian soil to combat terrorism will depend on recommendations from the Nigerian military and security agencies. Speaking to CNN after U.S.-Nigeria collaborative airstrikes in northwest Nigeria on Christmas Day, Tuggar confirmed that the joint operation was approved by President Tinubu and aimed solely at combating terrorism, not religion. He emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to regional security and openness to international cooperation while noting past constraints like the Leahy Law. Tuggar also highlighted Nigeria’s frontline role in the global fight against terrorism, particularly in the Sahel region.