The United States (U.S) is reportedly considering possible military intervention in Nigeria, with the Pentagon developing airstrike contingency plans aimed at protecting Christians from extremist attacks — following a directive from President Donald Trump.
According to a New York Times report published Wednesday, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) has submitted multiple operational proposals to the Department of Defense after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth instructed the military to act on the President’s order.
Sources familiar with the internal discussions told the newspaper that AFRICOM’s plans are grouped into three tiers—“heavy,” “medium,” and “light” options—each defining different levels of engagement in Nigeria.
Under the “heavy option,” Washington could deploy an aircraft carrier strike group to the Gulf of Guinea, supported by fighter jets or long-range bombers targeting militant strongholds in northern Nigeria.
The “medium option” proposes the use of MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-1 Predator drones for precision strikes on insurgent camps, convoys, and vehicles, backed by U.S. intelligence for “precise and timely” execution.
Meanwhile, the “light option” emphasizes intelligence sharing, logistics, and joint counterterrorism operations with Nigerian security forces against Boko Haram and other Islamist groups accused of carrying out mass killings, abductions, and church attacks.
However, senior Pentagon officials reportedly admit that limited airstrikes or drone operations alone may not be enough to end Nigeria’s long-running insurgency — unless the U.S. opts for a full-scale campaign similar to those in Iraq or Afghanistan, an option that “no one in Washington is currently advocating,” the report added.
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