The US military has reportedly drawn up contingency plans for potential airstrikes in Nigeria following an order from President Donald Trump directing the Pentagon to “prepare to intervene” to protect Christians from terrorists’ attacks, according to The New York Times.
According to the report, which was published on Wednesday, the United States Africa Command offered numerous operational alternatives to the Department of War in response to Secretary Pete Hegseth’s request to establish preparations in line with Trump’s command.
Military officials familiar with the discussions told the news outlet that the proposals—categorized as “heavy,” “medium,” and “light”—outlined varying levels of involvement in Nigeria.
Under the “heavy option,” Washington would send an aircraft carrier strike group to the Gulf of Guinea, accompanied by fighter fighters or long-range bombers, to strike militant targets deep within northern Nigeria.
The “medium option” calls for the use of MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-1 Predator drones for targeted attacks on rebel camps, convoys, and vehicles.
The drones will operate with U.S. intelligence support to ensure “precise and timely” assaults, the article stated.
The “light option,” on the other hand, emphasizes intelligence sharing, logistical support, and combined operations with Nigerian forces against Boko Haram and other Islamist groups accused of mass massacres, kidnappings, and church attacks.
Despite the planning, top Pentagon officials are reportedly admitting that limited airstrikes or drone operations are unlikely to end Nigeria’s long-running insurgency unless the US launches a full-fledged campaign similar to those in Iraq or Afghanistan—an approach that no one in Washington currently advocates.
Chronicle NG reports that Trump had threatened to deploy American military forces to Nigeria if the purported genocide against Christians was not stopped, but the Bola Tinubu administration disputed the story completely.
Meanwhile, China declared its support for Nigeria on Tuesday, saying it rejects any foreign intrusion in the name of religion or human rights.
“As Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly opposes any country using religion and human rights as an excuse to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs and threatening other countries with sanctions and force,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a press conference in Beijing.
Ning made the comments in response to inquiries regarding President Trump’s threat of military action in Nigeria.
The Federal Government denied its inclusion on the United States’ list of nations breaching religious freedom on Wednesday, claiming that such a classification is based on “inaccurate data and misrepresentation” of the country’s security issues.
Mohammed Idris, Nigeria’s Information Minister, highlighted that the country suffers terrorism rather than religious persecution and that both Christians and Muslims have been victims of extremist violence.
“The government disputes claims of targeted religious persecution. Since 2023, President Tinubu’s administration has neutralized over 13,500 militants and rescued more than 11,000 hostages. Nigeria remains open to U.S. collaboration on counterterrorism while emphasizing mutual respect for sovereignty,” he said.
The minister stated that Nigeria prioritizes national security and “the protection of all citizens regardless of religious affiliation.”
On Wednesday evening, Trump expressed his willingness to take direct action if the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria continues.
He said, “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening there and in numerous other countries. We stand ready, willing, and able to save our great Christian population around the world!”
The development comes amid rising diplomatic tensions in response to Trump’s remarks, as well as fresh discussion in Washington about US military engagement in foreign religious conflicts.
