The Italian government is asking for details on a raid carried out by British special forces in Nigeria to liberate two hostages.

The hostages, Italian national Franco Lamolinara and Briton, Christopher McManus, were seized in May while working on a construction project in Kebbi state. They were killed Thursday by their Boko Haram militant captors.

Prime Minister Mario Monti's office released a statement saying the raid was carried out without consultation with the Italian government.

Italian President Giorgio Napolitano demanded explanations from Britain.

(SOUNDBITE) (Italian) ITALIAN PRESIDENT GIORGIO NAPOLITANO, SAYING:

"They did not inform or consult with Italy in respect to this forceful action, which could have and the end did have, this unfortunate consequence. A political and diplomatic clarification is necessary."

On the streets of Rome, people are questioning the actions of the British government. Friday morning headlines read: "Cameron decides on blitz: an Italian hostage dies" and "Nigeria, failed British blitz, Italian hostage killed."

(SOUNDBITE) (Italian) ROME RESIDENT ERNA MIYAROVA SAYING:

"The British and Americans always just do what they want to do, NATO also worked like that."

British Prime Minister David Cameron said the mission was authorized after he was told Lamolinara and his co-worker were in imminent and growing danger.

Sarah Wali, Reuters