By Sarah Sam Adda
The United States has reportedly drafted contingency plans for possible military action in Nigeria, following President Donald Trump’s directive to prepare for intervention over alleged persecution of Christians.
According to The New York Times, the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), submitted three operational options, heavy, medium, and light ranging from full-scale airstrikes to limited joint operations with Nigerian forces.
The “heavy” option involves deploying an aircraft carrier to the Gulf of Guinea, while the “medium” option proposes drone strikes.
The “light” option focuses on intelligence sharing and logistics support against insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP.
Nigeria dismissed the allegations as false and politically motivated. Presidential aide Daniel Bwala said on Russian TV that Nigeria does not persecute any religious group and urged Washington to respect its sovereignty.
China has also condemned Trump’s threats as interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs. Analysts warn that U.S. strikes could worsen instability in West Africa.
