The United States military has drawn up contingency plans for potential strikes in Nigeria following a directive from President Donald Trump.
According to a report by the New York Times, the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) has submitted operational options to the Department of War at the request of Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The plans include three levels of engagement — heavy, medium, and light — designed to allow for a controlled escalation of U.S. involvement.
Under the “heavy option,” the U.S. could deploy an aircraft carrier group to the Gulf of Guinea and use fighter jets or long-range bombers to strike targets in northern Nigeria. The “medium option” involves drone strikes on militant camps and convoys, while the “light option” focuses on joint operations supporting Nigerian forces against Boko Haram and other insurgent groups.
Military officials told the newspaper that the plans aim to neutralize Islamist militants, protect Christian communities, and end the prolonged insurgency in Nigeria’s north.
However, concerns have been raised about the feasibility of these plans, especially since U.S. forces vacated drone bases in Agadez and Niamey, Niger, earlier this year—facilities now occupied by Russian troops.
Last week, President Trump accused the Nigerian government of allowing the “mass slaughter” of Christians, labeling the country a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) and suspending arms sales and technical assistance to Abuja. The claim has been denied by Nigerian officials.
Trump, however, maintained that any U.S. action would be “fast, vicious, and sweet,” declaring that America would not “stand by while atrocities are happening.”
The U.S. House Appropriations Committee has backed the president’s stance, describing Nigeria as “the most dangerous nation on Earth to follow Christ” and urging stronger action against religious persecution.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s government continues to reject accusations of religiously motivated killings, insisting that ongoing insecurity stems from terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts rather than targeted persecution.
