US Drafts Airstrike Plans for Nigeria Following Trump Threat – Report
The United States has reportedly developed contingency plans for possible airstrikes in Nigeria after President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon to “prepare to intervene” to protect Christians from terrorist attacks, The New York Times reported on Wednesday.
According to the report, U.S. Africa Command presented several operational options to the Department of Defence at the request of Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The plans are categorised as “heavy,” “medium,” and “light,” reflecting different levels of military engagement.
The “heavy” option involves deploying an aircraft carrier strike group to the Gulf of Guinea with fighter jets or long-range bombers targeting militants deep in northern Nigeria.
The “medium” option suggests using MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-1 Predator drones for precise strikes on insurgent camps, convoys, and vehicles with U.S. intelligence support.
The “light” option focuses on intelligence sharing, logistics, and joint operations with Nigerian forces against Boko Haram and other Islamist groups.
Pentagon officials reportedly acknowledge that limited strikes are unlikely to end Nigeria’s insurgency without a full-scale campaign similar to Iraq or Afghanistan—an approach not currently supported in Washington.
Earlier, OSUN DEFENDER reported Trump had threatened military action if the alleged genocide against Christians continued, a claim rejected by the Nigerian government.
China also weighed in, declaring its support for Nigeria and opposing foreign interference under the pretext of religion or human rights.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said, “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.”
The Nigerian government on Wednesday denied claims of religious persecution, insisting the country faces terrorism, not targeted attacks. Information Minister Mohammed Idris said the government has neutralised over 13,500 militants and rescued more than 11,000 hostages since 2023, and remains open to U.S. collaboration on counterterrorism while emphasising national sovereignty.
Trump reiterated his position on Wednesday evening, warning that Christianity faces an “existential threat” in Nigeria and claiming the U.S. stands ready to protect Christians worldwide.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
