The United States military has drawn up multiple contingency plans for possible airstrikes in Nigeria following President Donald Trump’s directive to prepare for intervention against Islamist militants accused of killing Christians.
According to The New York Times, the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) has submitted several operational proposals to the Department of War, acting on a request from Secretary Pete Hegseth to implement Trump’s order.
Military insiders confirmed that the proposed actions were classified under three engagement levels: “heavy,” “medium,” and “light.”
The “heavy option” involves deploying an aircraft carrier strike group to the Gulf of Guinea, with potential fighter jet and long-range bomber strikes targeting militant camps in northern Nigeria. This approach represents the most aggressive military scenario.
The “medium option” centers on targeted drone operations using MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-1 Predator drones against insurgent convoys, vehicles, and hideouts. Supported by U.S. intelligence, the drones would conduct prolonged surveillance to ensure what officials described as “precise and timely strikes.”
Meanwhile, the “light option” focuses on supporting Nigeria’s forces through intelligence sharing, logistics, and limited joint operations against Boko Haram and other Islamist groups accused of mass killings, church bombings, and abductions.
Despite the planning, Pentagon officials privately admit that no amount of limited airstrikes or drone raids would end Nigeria’s decade-long insurgency unless the U.S. commits to a large-scale campaign comparable to Iraq or Afghanistan—an approach few in Washington currently support.
On Wednesday, Trump restated his readiness to intervene militarily, saying the United States would not remain silent as Christians face persecution.
“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria,” Trump said in a broadcast. “The U.S. cannot stand by while such atrocities happen. We are ready, willing, and able to defend our great Christian population around the world.”
The move has triggered global reactions. China voiced firm support for Nigeria’s sovereignty, warning Washington against using religion as a pretext for intervention.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing “firmly opposes any country interfering in others’ internal affairs under the guise of human rights or religion.”
In response, Daniel Bwala, a top aide to President Bola Tinubu, urged the U.S. to respect Nigeria’s territorial integrity. Speaking on Russia National TV, Bwala dismissed the genocide narrative as a “media exaggeration” sponsored by political agitators.
“We do not need American boots on Nigerian soil,” Bwala said. “We only seek support with intelligence and equipment to combat insecurity.”
He further accused some U.S. lawmakers of being misled by separatist sympathizers to manipulate American foreign policy against Nigeria.
As the debate deepens, security analysts warn that any U.S. military action in West Africa could escalate tensions, destabilize the region, and draw rival powers like China and Russia into a new geopolitical contest