The United States is reportedly considering possible military intervention in Nigeria after President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon to draw up plans aimed at protecting Christians from extremist violence.
According to a report by The New York Times, the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) has submitted several contingency options to the Department of War in response to Trump’s directive, which followed an urgent request from Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The move underscores Washington’s growing concern over the escalating attacks on Christian communities in northern Nigeria.
Military insiders told The Times that AFRICOM’s proposals are divided into three operational categories, “heavy,” “medium,” and “light”, each outlining a different level of potential engagement.
Under the “heavy option,” the United States would deploy an aircraft carrier strike group to the Gulf of Guinea, with fighter jets and long-range bombers targeting suspected Islamist strongholds in northern Nigeria.
Analysts say this would represent the most direct and aggressive form of U.S. involvement on African soil since operations in Libya.
The “medium option” proposes using MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-1 Predator drones to conduct precision strikes on militant hideouts, weapon depots, and vehicles.
These drones, capable of prolonged surveillance and targeted attacks, would rely heavily on U.S. intelligence networks to ensure accurate strikes and minimize civilian casualties.
Meanwhile, the “light option” emphasizes partnership with Nigerian security forces through intelligence sharing, logistics support, and joint operations against Boko Haram and other violent extremist groups responsible for church bombings, kidnappings, and mass killings.
However, senior defense officials reportedly cautioned that limited airstrikes or drone missions alone would not permanently defeat Nigeria’s entrenched insurgency unless accompanied by a broader ground campaign.
“Nigeria’s situation is deeply complex,” one Pentagon official was quoted as saying. “Air power can weaken the militants, but it cannot rebuild stability or governance in the affected regions.”
Speaking on Wednesday evening, President Trump doubled down on his stance, warning that the U.S. would not hesitate to intervene militarily if what he described as “genocidal” attacks on Christians continued.
“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social account.
“The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities occur. We are ready, willing, and able to defend our great Christian population across the world.”
The Nigerian government has yet to issue an official response to the U.S. threat. However, analysts believe the development could strain diplomatic relations if Washington moves forward with unilateral military action without Abuja’s consent.
Security experts say Trump’s directive reflects a broader shift in U.S. foreign policy toward Africa, one driven by moral rhetoric and Christian advocacy rather than traditional geopolitical interests.
As tensions rise, both nations now face a delicate balancing act between national sovereignty, humanitarian concerns, and international diplomacy.