US Military Drafts Airstrike Plans for Nigeria Amid Trump’s Warning Over Christian Persecution
The United States military has reportedly developed contingency plans for potential airstrikes in Nigeria, following a directive from President Donald Trump instructing the Pentagon to “prepare to intervene” in response to alleged terrorist attacks targeting Christian communities. This development was reported by The New York Times on Wednesday.
According to the report, the U.S. Africa Command submitted a range of operational strategies to the Department of War, acting on a request from Secretary Pete Hegseth. The proposals, categorized into “heavy,” “medium,” and “light” options, outline varying degrees 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 to conduct deep strikes against militant targets in northern Nigeria.
Medium Option: Use of MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-1 Predator drones for precision attacks on insurgent camps, convoys, and vehicles, backed by U.S. intelligence for accuracy.
Light Option: Focused on intelligence sharing, logistical support, and joint operations with Nigerian forces targeting Boko Haram and other extremist groups accused of mass killings, abductions, and attacks on churches.
Despite these plans, senior Pentagon officials reportedly acknowledge that limited strikes or drone operations are unlikely to resolve Nigeria’s complex insurgency without a broader campaign, similar to U.S. operations in Iraq or Afghanistan, which is not currently under consideration.
President Trump has repeatedly warned of direct military intervention if the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria continues.
However, the Nigerian government has firmly rejected these claims, stating that the country’s security challenges stem from terrorism, not religious persecution.
On Wednesday, Information Minister Mohammed Idris clarified that both Christians and Muslims have been victims of extremist violence. He emphasized that Nigeria remains committed to protecting all citizens and is open to counterterrorism collaboration with the U.S., provided it respects Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Since 2023, the Tinubu administration claims to have neutralized over 13,500 militants and rescued more than 11,000 hostages.
Meanwhile, China has voiced strong opposition to any foreign interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs. At a press briefing in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated, “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.”
The diplomatic fallout from Trump’s remarks has sparked renewed debate in Washington over the role of U.S. military power in addressing religious conflicts abroad. As tensions rise, Nigeria finds itself at the center of a geopolitical standoff between global powers, each asserting its vision of sovereignty, security, and human rights.
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