The United States military has reportedly drawn up possible intervention strategies in Nigeria, following a directive from former President Donald Trump to safeguard Christians facing attacks from Islamist militants.
READ ALSO: China warns U.S. against interference in Nigeria’s affairs
According to reports, the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) presented several military options to the Department of War in response to a request by Secretary Pete Hegseth. The directive aligns with Trump’s order for Washington to take concrete steps to protect Christians in regions affected by extremist violence.
AFRICOM’s submission outlined three operational plans described as heavy, medium, and light, each designed to counter militant threats in northern Nigeria.
Under the heavy option, the U.S. would deploy an aircraft carrier strike group to the Gulf of Guinea, launching fighter jets or long-range bombers to strike insurgent targets. The medium option recommends the use of unmanned aerial vehicles such as MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-1 Predator drones for precision strikes on militant camps and convoys. Meanwhile, the light option focuses on intelligence sharing, logistical support, and coordination with Nigerian forces in joint counter-terrorism missions against Boko Haram and other Islamist factions.
However, U.S. defense officials have cautioned that limited air operations or drone strikes alone may not bring a lasting end to Nigeria’s prolonged insurgency without a broader and sustained campaign.
While Trump reportedly maintained that America must intervene if attacks on Christians continue, both the Nigerian government and China have opposed any form of foreign military involvement, stressing respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
