The United States military has reportedly prepared contingency plans for possible air operations in Nigeria after President Donald Trump instructed the Pentagon to “prepare to intervene” over claims of attacks on Christians, according to a report by The New York Times on Wednesday.
The report said the U.S. Africa Command had submitted several operational pUS mUS military drafts possible airstrike plans for Nigeria after Trump orderilitary drafts possible sirstrike plans for Nigeria after Trump order proposals to the Department of Defence after Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth asked for options that align with Trump’s directive.
Quoting military officials involved in the discussions, the paper said the proposals—classified as “heavy,” “medium,” and “light” — outline different levels of U.S. involvement.
Under the heavy plan, the U.S. would deploy an aircraft carrier strike group to the Gulf of Guinea and use fighter jets or long-range bombers to hit militant positions in northern Nigeria.
The medium option focuses on the use of MQ-9 Reapers and MQ-1 Predator drones to carry out targeted strikes on insurgent bases and vehicles, supported by U.S. intelligence for accuracy.
The lightest option would involve intelligence sharing, logistics assistance, and limited joint missions alongside Nigerian forces against Boko Haram and other extremist factions accused of attacks on worship centres, abductions, and killings.
Despite the preparations, senior Pentagon officials reportedly acknowledged that limited airstrikes would not end Nigeria’s long-running insurgency unless Washington commits to a large-scale intervention similar to its wars in Iraq or Afghanistan — a scenario no U.S. leader is currently considering.
Earlier, it was reported that Trump threatened to deploy American troops to Nigeria if what he described as a “genocide against Christians” was not halted, a claim the Bola Tinubu administration has strongly rejected.
Meanwhile, China has openly backed Nigeria, warning against foreign intrusion disguised as human-rights concerns.
“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
The Federal Government on Wednesday also criticised its inclusion on a U.S. list of countries accused of religious freedom violations, describing it as the outcome of “inaccurate data and misrepresentation.”
Information Minister Mohammed Idris clarified that Nigeria is dealing with terrorism—not religious persecution—and that all faith groups have been victims.
He said,
“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.”
The minister added that the government remains committed to protecting citizens irrespective of religious background.
Later on Wednesday, Trump again warned that the U.S. may take direct action if alleged Christian persecution persists.
He wrote:
“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria… We stand ready, willing, and able to save our Great Christian Population around the World!”
The escalating rhetoric has raised diplomatic tensions and reignited debate in Washington about whether the U.S. should intervene militarily in foreign religious conflicts.
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