The United States military has reportedly finalized detailed contingency plans for conducting airstrikes within Nigeria. This preparation was triggered by a direct command from President Donald Trump.
The President instructed the Pentagon to “prepare to intervene” militarily to safeguard Christians from terrorist attacks.
The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) presented multiple operational proposals to the Department of War. Sources familiar with the ongoing deliberations revealed these details on Wednesday.
This comprehensive analysis was developed in response to a request from Secretary Pete Hegseth, who sought options precisely aligned with the President’s public directive.
Three Categorized Intervention Plans
Military planners structured the possible interventions into three distinct levels of engagement:
- Heavy Option: This most aggressive plan requires positioning an aircraft carrier strike group in the Gulf of Guinea. The strategy involves using fighter jets or long-range bombers to execute deep strikes against militant targets inside northern Nigeria.
- Medium Option: This proposal utilizes remotely piloted aircraft. MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-1 Predator drones would be used for targeted attacks. Their focus would be on insurgent camps, vehicle convoys, and known bases. U.S. intelligence assets would support these drones, ensuring “precise and timely” engagements.
- Light Option: This least aggressive approach emphasizes cooperation. It involves extensive intelligence sharing and logistical support for Nigerian forces. This would enable joint ground operations against groups like Boko Haram and other extremist organizations.
Despite creating these detailed plans, military officials within the Pentagon reportedly acknowledged a crucial limitation. They privately conceded that limited drone strikes or air operations alone are unlikely to successfully resolve Nigeria’s decades-long insurgency.
They maintain that a full-scale campaign, comparable to historical actions in Iraq or Afghanistan, would be necessary an outcome Washington is not currently pursuing.
Nigeria Rejects Claims Amidst Contradictory Data
President Bola Tinubu’s administration has issued a firm denial regarding the claims of a Christian genocide. The Nigerian government rejected the U.S. designation of the country as one violating religious freedom. It argues the designation relies on “inaccurate data and misrepresentation” of its security challenges.
Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information, stated clearly that Nigeria is confronting terrorism, not religious persecution. He asserted that citizens of both the Muslim and Christian faiths have suffered extensively from extremist violence.
“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.”
The Minister stressed that Nigeria continues to prioritize national security and the “protection of all citizens regardless of religious affiliation.”
This diplomatic crisis prompted a rapid international response. China publicly offered its support to Nigeria on Tuesday. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning affirmed that Beijing “firmly opposes any country using religion and human rights as an excuse to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs.”
President Trump reiterated his willingness to take direct action on Wednesday if the alleged persecution persists. He stated, “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria… We stand ready, willing, and able to save our Great Christian Population around the World!”
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