The United States military is reportedly preparing contingency plans for possible airstrikes in Nigeria, following President Donald Trump’s order to the Pentagon to “prepare to intervene” in defense of Christians facing terrorist attacks.
According to The New York Times, U.S. Africa Command has submitted a range of operational options to the Department of Defense at the request of Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Officials familiar with the planning said the proposals are divided into three categories “heavy,” “medium,” and “light” each outlining different levels of military engagement:
- Heavy option: Deployment of an aircraft carrier strike group to the Gulf of Guinea, supported by fighter jets or long-range bombers capable of striking militant targets deep in northern Nigeria.
- Medium option: Use of MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-1 Predator drones to conduct targeted strikes on insurgent camps, convoys, and vehicles, coordinated with U.S. intelligence for precision.
- Light option: Focus on intelligence sharing, logistical support, and joint operations with Nigerian forces against Boko Haram and other Islamist groups accused of mass killings, abductions, and church attacks.
Pentagon officials reportedly acknowledge that limited strikes or drone operations alone are unlikely to end Nigeria’s long-running insurgency unless the U.S. commits to a broader campaign similar to those in Iraq or Afghanistan—an approach Washington is not currently pursuing.
The planning follows Trump’s recent warning that the U.S. could send forces into Nigeria “guns-a-blazing” if the government fails to stop what he described as the killing of Christians by Islamist militants. He also threatened to cut off aid, declaring Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” and describing the situation as a “mass slaughter.”
In response, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu rejected claims that the country is hostile toward Christians. In a statement, he emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to religious freedom and tolerance, noting that his administration has engaged with both Christian and Muslim leaders since 2023 to address security challenges.
“Religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so,” Tinubu said, stressing that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees protection for citizens of all faiths. He added that his government is committed to working with the U.S. and international partners to safeguard communities across religious lines.
