The United States military has developed contingency plans for possible action in Nigeria following President Donald Trump’s directive to “prepare to intervene” in response to alleged attacks on Christians by Islamic militants.
The report said the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) has submitted multiple military options to the Department of Defense after Secretary Pete Hegseth requested operational proposals in line with Trump’s order.
Military officials familiar with the plans described three broad levels of engagement — categorized as “heavy,” “medium,” and “light.”
The heavy option would involve deploying a U.S. aircraft carrier strike group to the Gulf of Guinea and launching fighter jets or long-range bombers to carry out strikes on militant strongholds in northern Nigeria.
The medium option proposes targeted drone strikes using MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-1 Predator drones against identified militant camps, convoys, and vehicles, supported by U.S. intelligence tracking insurgent movements.
The light option focuses on intelligence sharing, logistics support, and joint operations with Nigerian forces against Boko Haram and other extremist groups accused of mass killings, abductions, and church attacks.
However, senior military officials reportedly cautioned that limited airstrikes alone would not end the prolonged insurgency unless the U.S. committed to a full-scale operation similar to Iraq or Afghanistan — a scenario they noted Washington is not currently willing to undertake.
On Wednesday, Trump insisted that the U.S. is prepared to intervene if the alleged genocide against Christians continues unchecked.
“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening there,” Trump said.
In contrast, China reaffirmed its support for Nigeria, stating it opposes foreign interference under the guise of religion or human rights.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing “firmly stands with Nigeria as it pursues its own development path.”
Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has warned the United States to respect the country’s sovereignty, cautioning against any deployment of American troops to Nigerian territory.