US Military Drafts Airstrike Plan for Nigeria Following Trump Threat — Report

The United States military has reportedly developed contingency plans for possible airstrikes in Nigeria after President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon to “prepare to intervene” in response to terrorist attacks on Christians, according to The New York Times.

The report, published Wednesday, revealed that the U.S. Africa Command had submitted several operational strategies to the Department of War following a request from Secretary Pete Hegseth to design plans in line with Trump’s order.

Sources familiar with the discussions disclosed that the proposals — labeled as “heavy,” “medium,” and “light” — represent different 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 target militant bases in northern Nigeria. The “medium option” focuses on using MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-1 Predator drones for precision strikes on insurgent camps, convoys, and vehicles, guided by U.S. intelligence for accuracy.

The “light option” prioritizes intelligence sharing, logistical assistance, and joint operations with Nigerian forces against Boko Haram and other Islamist militants responsible for widespread violence and church attacks.

However, senior Pentagon officials reportedly admitted that limited airstrikes or drone missions would have minimal impact on Nigeria’s prolonged insurgency unless the U.S. were to commit to a full-scale operation similar to those in Iraq or Afghanistan — a move not currently under consideration in Washington.

Earlier this week, Trump had warned that the U.S. might deploy its military to Nigeria if what he called the “genocide against Christians” was not stopped — a claim Nigeria’s government has firmly denied.

In response, China reaffirmed its backing for Nigeria, saying it opposes any external interference under the guise of religion or human rights. “As Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly rejects any country using religion and human rights as excuses to meddle in internal affairs or threaten other nations with sanctions and force,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning during a press briefing in Beijing.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian government on Wednesday rejected its inclusion on the U.S. list of countries accused of violating religious freedom, describing the designation as “misleading and based on inaccurate data.”

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, clarified that Nigeria’s challenge is terrorism, not religious persecution, emphasizing that both Christians and Muslims have suffered from extremist attacks.

“The government rejects any claims of religious persecution. Since 2023, the Tinubu administration has neutralized over 13,500 militants and rescued more than 11,000 hostages. Nigeria remains open to collaboration with the U.S. on counterterrorism while upholding respect for national sovereignty,” he said.

Idris added that the government remains committed to protecting all citizens, regardless of faith.

Later on Wednesday, Trump doubled down on his earlier remarks, declaring that the U.S. “will not stand by” if the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria continues.

He said, “Christianity is under threat in Nigeria. The United States cannot remain silent while these atrocities persist. We are ready, willing, and able to protect Christians around the world.”

The developments have sparked rising diplomatic tension between Washington and Abuja and reignited debate in the U.S. over whether military involvement is an appropriate response to religious or humanitarian crises abroad.