The United States military has prepared initial plans for potential strikes in Nigeria. This action follows a directive from President Donald Trump. He ordered the Pentagon to explore military options. The goal would be to protect Christian groups from militant attacks.
Officials at U.S. Africa Command drafted the contingency plans this week. They have sent those options to the Pentagon's Joint Staff for review. This information comes from defense officials who spoke to The New York Times. The plans were created after the president's public statement over the weekend.
President Trump described the need to stop attacks on what he called "CHERISHED Christians." However, the conflict in Nigeria is more complex. It involves violence and land disputes that have killed thousands of people. The victims include both Muslims and Christians.
Military officials familiar with the plans express deep caution. They say a major American intervention is very unlikely. Such a move would risk starting a large-scale campaign. It could resemble lengthy wars in Iraq or Afghanistan. The United States is not prepared for that kind of commitment in Nigeria, the officials said.
Instead, the proposed options are more limited in their scope. They are designed to have a direct but contained impact on militant groups. The plans do not suggest a full ground invasion. A full invasion is not under active consideration, the officials confirmed.
One possible action involves airstrikes. The U.S. Air Force could target a small number of known militant compounds. These are located in northern Nigeria. Another option is the use of armed drones. Aircraft like the MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-1 Predator could attack vehicles. They could also strike convoys used by the insurgents.
The plans also include potential joint ground operations. American forces could partner with Nigerian army units. Together, they could raid villages in the north. The aim would be to root out militants hiding in rural areas.
These plans represent early military planning. They are a direct response to a commander-in-chief's request. Sending them to the Pentagon does not mean they will be used. Any decision to act would require further approval at the highest levels.
The situation in Nigeria involves several armed groups. A major threat comes from Boko Haram and its offshoots. These Islamist militants have waged a brutal insurgency for over a decade. Their attacks have caused widespread death and displacement.
Violence also plagues the country's Middle Belt region. Here, conflicts often occur between nomadic herders and farming communities. These clashes are frequently framed as religious fights. In reality, they are often about access to land and water. Competition for these resources has increased with climate change.
The U.S. military already has a presence in Nigeria. It provides training, advice, and intelligence support to local forces. This is part of a long-standing security partnership. A direct combat role would mark a major shift in this policy.
Experts on the region question the effectiveness of limited strikes. They say such actions would be unlikely to end the wider insurgency. Militant groups are spread out across large areas. They blend in with the local population. A few airstrikes would not solve these deep-rooted problems.
There are also major political risks. An American military intervention could be seen as an invasion. It might anger the Nigerian government and its people. It could also inflame tensions across West Africa. Neighboring countries might view the action with alarm.
The Nigerian government has not publicly commented on these specific plans. In the past, it has insisted it can handle its own security challenges. It has also welcomed international support and cooperation.
The decision to prepare these plans shows the president's focus on the issue. It also reveals the military's duty to provide options for its civilian leaders. The final choice on any action remains a political one. It will involve weighing potential benefits against significant risks.
For now, the plans sit with officials at the Pentagon. They will be analyzed and evaluated. The next step would be for senior defense leaders to present them to the White House. No timeline for that has been announced.
The violence in Nigeria has created a severe humanitarian crisis. Millions of people have been forced from their homes. The United Nations and aid groups say the country needs help. They call for more support to address poverty and conflict roots.
Military action is one possible response. But officials and experts agree it is not a simple solution. The problems in Nigeria will require a much broader effort to resolve.