The United States military has reportedly developed contingency plans for potential airstrikes in Nigeria following a directive from President Donald Trump ordering the Pentagon to “prepare to intervene” to protect Christians from terrorist attacks, The New York Times has reported.
According to the report published on Wednesday, the U.S. Africa Command presented several operational proposals to the Department of War after Secretary Pete Hegseth requested plans in line with Trump’s directive.
Military sources familiar with the discussions disclosed that the proposals—classified as “heavy,” “medium,” and “light”—outline different levels of military 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 within northern Nigeria.
The “medium option” suggests the use of MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-1 Predator drones for precision strikes against insurgent camps, convoys, and vehicles, backed by U.S. intelligence for “accurate and timely” targeting.
Meanwhile, the “light option” focuses on intelligence sharing, logistics assistance, and joint operations with Nigerian forces against Boko Haram and other Islamist groups accused of mass killings, abductions, and attacks on churches.
Despite the planning, senior Pentagon officials reportedly acknowledged that limited airstrikes or drone operations would be insufficient to end Nigeria’s prolonged insurgency without a broader military campaign akin to those in Iraq or Afghanistan—an approach not currently being considered in Washington.
Trump threatened to deploy American troops to Nigeria if the alleged genocide against Christians was not halted. The Bola Tinubu administration has, however, strongly denied the allegations.
Meanwhile, China has voiced its support for Nigeria, warning against any foreign intervention under the pretext 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 or threaten them with sanctions and force,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said during a press briefing in Beijing on Tuesday.
Her remarks followed questions about Trump’s threat of military action against Nigeria.
Also, on Wednesday, the Federal Government rejected Nigeria’s inclusion on the U.S. list of countries violating religious freedom, describing the designation as based on “inaccurate data and misrepresentation” of the nation’s security situation.
Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, clarified that Nigeria’s challenges are rooted in terrorism rather than religious persecution, stressing that both Christians and Muslims have suffered from extremist attacks.
“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,” Idris said.
He added that the government remains committed to national security and “the protection of all citizens regardless of religious affiliation.”
Later on Wednesday, Trump reiterated his readiness to take direct action if what he termed the persecution of Christians in Nigeria continues.
“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,” Trump declared.
The latest developments have deepened diplomatic tensions and reignited debate in Washington over America’s role in responding to religious conflicts abroad.
