US Military Prepares Airstrike Plans for Nigeria Following Trump’s Directive
In a
dramatic escalation of international concern over religious violence in
Nigeria, the United States military is reportedly drawing up contingency plans
for potential airstrikes in the country.
This development follows a directive from President Donald Trump, who instructed the Pentagon to “prepare to intervene” in order to protect Christians from terrorist attacks.
The
report, published by The New York Times, outlines a series of military options
submitted by U.S. Africa Command to the Department of Defense, in response to a
request from Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The proposed
plans are categorized into three levels of engagement: “heavy,” “medium,” and
“light.” The “heavy” option involves deploying an aircraft carrier strike group
to the Gulf of Guinea, supported by fighter jets or long-range bombers capable
of penetrating deep into northern Nigeria to strike militant targets. The
“medium” option centers on the use of MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-1 Predator drones for
targeted strikes on insurgent camps, convoys, and vehicles, coordinated with
U.S. intelligence to ensure precision. The “light” option emphasizes
intelligence sharing, logistical support, and joint operations with Nigerian
forces to combat Boko Haram and other Islamist groups accused of mass killings,
abductions, and attacks on churches.
Despite
these preparations, senior Pentagon officials have expressed skepticism about
the effectiveness of limited airstrikes or drone operations in ending Nigeria’s
prolonged insurgency. They suggest that only a full-scale campaign, similar to
those undertaken in Iraq or Afghanistan, could yield significant results,
though such an approach is not currently being pursued by Washington.
President
Trump’s directive comes amid heightened rhetoric on his Truth Social platform,
where he threatened to send U.S. forces into Nigeria “guns-a-blazing” if the
Nigerian government fails to stop what he described as the killing of
Christians by Islamists. He warned that the United States would halt all aid
and assistance to Nigeria and potentially launch a swift and forceful military
intervention.
Trump also
declared Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” over the killings,
describing the situation as a “mass slaughter” and an “existential threat” to
Christianity.
In
response, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu issued a statement rejecting the
characterization of Nigeria as hostile toward Christians. He emphasized the
country’s commitment to religious freedom and tolerance, citing constitutional
guarantees and ongoing engagement with both Christian and Muslim leaders.
Tinubu
asserted that his administration has been actively addressing security
challenges affecting citizens of all faiths and regions since 2023, and
expressed willingness to cooperate with the United States and the international
community to protect religious communities.
This
unfolding situation marks a significant moment in U.S.-Nigeria relations,
raising questions about sovereignty, international intervention, and the global
response to religious persecution.
The
potential for military action remains uncertain, but the rhetoric and planning
signal a serious shift in how the United States may engage with Africa’s most
populous nation.
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