The United States military has reportedly developed contingency plans for potential strikes on Nigeria, according to a report by The New York Times.
The move follows President Donald Trump’s directive to the Department of War to prepare possible responses to what he described as the “ongoing genocide against Christians” in the country.
Citing unnamed defence officials, the report said the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) submitted its strategic options to the Department of War earlier this week at the request of Secretary Pete Hegseth.
According to the report, AFRICOM presented three graduated plans, classified as heavy, medium and light, to allow for “controlled escalation” depending on the president’s final decision.
Under the heavy option, the United States could deploy an aircraft carrier strike group to the Gulf of Guinea, launch fighter jet and long-range bomber attacks on targets deep inside northern Nigeria, and potentially engage in sustained military operations.
The medium option reportedly involves targeted drone strikes on militant camps, logistics bases, and convoys linked to insurgent activity in the region.
Retired Army officer Maj. Gen. Paul D. Eaton, a veteran of the Iraq War, told The Times that such actions could quickly spiral out of control.
“It would be a fiasco,” Eaton warned, noting that the American public has little appetite for another Iraq- or Afghanistan-style military campaign in Africa.
Military officials further noted that even limited airstrike campaigns, while capable of creating “shock and awe,” might not achieve long-term stability or weaken extremist networks in Nigeria.
The development comes just days after President Trump re-designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern”, accusing the Nigerian government of failing to protect Christians and other religious minorities.
In response, the Nigerian government dismissed the allegations as unfounded, maintaining that the country does not persecute any religious group and that ongoing security challenges affect citizens of all faiths alike.
