The United States military is reportedly drafting plans for possible air operations in Nigeria, following a directive from President Donald Trump instructing the Pentagon to “be ready to act” in defense of Christians targeted by extremist violence.
According to reports, the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) has submitted several operational proposals to the Department of Defense, detailing different levels of intervention ranging from drone strikes to full-scale air campaigns.
A senior defense official, quoted by The New York Times, said the options include “light, medium, and heavy” responses, each outlining how far Washington is willing to go in combating insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP in northern Nigeria.
Drone Missions or Full-Scale Operation?
Under the “light” plan, the US would expand intelligence sharing, provide surveillance technology, and coordinate with Nigerian forces to target insurgent hideouts. The “medium” option reportedly focuses on deploying armed drones for precision strikes on militant camps and convoys.
The most extensive plan, the “heavy” option, proposes stationing an aircraft carrier strike group off the Gulf of Guinea to support manned airstrikes deep inside Nigerian territory. However, officials acknowledge that such operations would require Nigeria’s approval and could risk regional escalation.
While Washington has yet to confirm the existence of these plans, Pentagon insiders reportedly cautioned that limited airstrikes would have little long-term effect without a broader military commitment, something the US government is not currently pursuing.
Genocide: FG Urges Trump To Approach Nigeria’s Security Issues With Understanding
Tinubu Responds to Trump’s Remarks
President Trump had earlier warned on his Truth Social account that the US could “go in guns blazing” if Nigeria fails to stop the killing of Christians, calling the situation “a mass slaughter.”
In response, President Bola Tinubu rejected the notion that Nigeria is hostile to Christians, stressing that his government remains committed to protecting citizens of all faiths.
“The portrayal of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our reality,” Tinubu said in a statement. “Our constitution guarantees freedom of religion, and our administration continues to work with both Christian and Muslim leaders to promote peace.”
Nigeria’s presidency also reaffirmed its willingness to cooperate with the US on counterterrorism, but maintained that such collaboration must respect the country’s sovereignty.
