The United States 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.
The report, published on Wednesday, stated that the U.S. Africa Command had presented multiple operational options to the Department of War, responding to a request from Secretary Pete Hegseth to develop plans aligned with Trump’s directive.
Military officials familiar with the deliberations told the news platform that the proposals—categorised as “heavy,” “medium,” and “light”—outlined varying levels of engagement in Nigeria.
Under the “heavy option,” Washington would deploy an aircraft carrier strike group to the Gulf of Guinea, supported by fighter jets or long-range bombers to hit militant targets deep inside northern Nigeria.
The “medium option” proposes the use of MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-1 Predator drones for targeted strikes on insurgent camps, convoys, and vehicles.
The drones would operate with U.S. intelligence support to ensure “precise and timely” attacks, the report added.
The “light option,” on the other hand, focuses on intelligence sharing, logistics support, and joint operations with Nigerian forces against Boko Haram and other Islamist groups accused of mass killings, abductions, and church attacks.
Despite the planning, top Pentagon officials reportedly concede that limited airstrikes or drone operations are unlikely to end Nigeria’s prolonged insurgency unless the U.S. launches a full-scale campaign similar to those in Iraq or Afghanistan—an approach no one in Washington is currently advocating.
PUNCH Online earlier reported that Trump had threatened to deploy American military forces to Nigeria if the alleged genocide against Christians was not stopped, but the Bola Tinubu government refuted the claim in its entirety.
Meanwhile, China on Tuesday declared its support for Nigeria, saying it opposes any foreign interference under the guise 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 remarks in response to questions about Trump’s threat of military action in Nigeria.
While the Federal Government on Wednesday rejected its inclusion on the U.S. list of countries violating religious freedom, insisting that such a designation stems from “inaccurate data and misrepresentation” of the nation’s security challenges.
Information Minister, Mohammed Idris, clarified that Nigeria faces terrorism, not religious persecution, and that both Christians and Muslims have suffered from extremist violence.
“The government disputes claims of targeted religious persecution. Since 2023, President Tinubu’s administration has neutralised over 13,500 militants and rescued more than 11,000 hostages. Nigeria remains open to U.S. collaboration on counterterrorism while emphasising mutual respect for sovereignty,” he said.
The minister added that Nigeria continues to prioritise national security and “the protection of all citizens regardless of religious affiliation.”
On Wednesday evening, Trump reiterated his willingness to take direct action if the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria continues unchecked.
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 developments come amid heightened diplomatic tensions following Trump’s remarks and renewed debate in Washington over U.S. military involvement in foreign religious conflicts.
