U.S. mulls airstrikes on Nigeria over alleged Christian persecution – NYT
The United States military has reportedly drawn up detailed plans for potential airstrikes in Nigeria, following former President Donald Trump’s directive to the Pentagon to “prepare to intervene” over alleged persecution of Christians in the country, The New York Times reported on Thursday.
According to the publication, the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) submitted a range of operational strategies to the Department of Defense after then–Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth requested actionable military options in line with Trump’s order.
Senior U.S. defense officials, speaking anonymously due to the classified nature of the plans, said the proposals were divided into three categories — heavy, medium, and light operations.
READ ALSO: China condemns Trump’s military threats against Nigeria over alleged Christian genocide
Under the heavy option, Washington would deploy an aircraft carrier strike group to the Gulf of Guinea, supported by fighter jets or long-range bombers, to hit insurgent targets deep within northern Nigeria, including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) strongholds.
The medium option would rely on drone warfare, with MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-1 Predator drones conducting precision strikes on insurgent camps, supply lines, and vehicle convoys — operations that would be guided by real-time intelligence.
The light option focuses on intelligence sharing, security assistance, and joint counterterrorism missions with Nigerian forces — a less aggressive approach but one still intended to exert pressure on extremist groups.
Despite these plans, U.S. military insiders reportedly expressed doubts about the effectiveness of limited airstrikes, warning that such actions would not decisively weaken insurgents entrenched across Nigeria’s northern region. They emphasized that only a full-scale campaign, similar to U.S. interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan, could achieve lasting results — a move few in Washington are prepared to support.
READ ALSO: Nigerian Muslims also victims – Vatican Cardinal speaks on alleged Christian genocide
Trump’s push for action followed his repeated claims of “genocide against Christians” in Nigeria and his public threats to intervene militarily.
However, Nigeria’s Federal Government has firmly rejected the allegations.
Information Minister Mohammed Idris said on Wednesday that the country does not condone religious persecution, stressing that terrorists have targeted both Muslims and Christians.
“The government disputes claims of targeted religious persecution. Nigeria faces terrorism, not religious warfare,” Idris stated.
He added that since 2023, more than 13,500 militants have been neutralized and 11,000 hostages rescued in counterterrorism operations. Idris also noted that while Nigeria welcomes security partnerships, its sovereignty remains “non-negotiable.”
READ ALSO: CAN rejects ‘genocide’ claims, says terror attacks hit all faiths
Meanwhile, China voiced strong support for Nigeria’s position.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning denounced any use of religion or human rights as justification for military interference in another nation, saying, “China firmly opposes threats of sanctions or force against sovereign countries.”
In a social media post on Wednesday, Trump reiterated his stance, writing:
“We stand ready, willing, and able to save our Great Christian Population around the world!”
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