Washington, USA — The United States military has reportedly drafted contingency plans for possible drone strikes in northern Nigeria following an order from President Donald Trump to “prepare to intervene” over alleged persecution of Christians by Islamic militants.
According to The New York Times report on Wednesday, November 5, American military leaders under the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) have outlined what they describe as a “medium option.” The plan involves targeted drone operations against militant camps, convoys, and vehicles in Borno, Yobe, and other insurgency-prone regions.
Boko Haram and its affiliate, the Islamic State – West Africa Province (ISWAP), remain highly active in Nigeria’s northeast, with strongholds concentrated around Borno and Yobe states.
Military sources revealed that American Predator and Reaper drones could be deployed to gather intelligence on high-value targets before launching precision strikes. However, the plan faces major logistical hurdles. The U.S. military in August vacated its two nearest drone bases in Agadez and Niamey, Niger — now occupied by Russian forces.
“Drones launched from Agadez or Niamey could reach Nigerian territory within an hour,” one U.S. defense official said. “But now, our closest viable launch points are in southern Europe or Djibouti, which limits operational efficiency.”
Some analysts suggest that a few West African nations might offer their territories as temporary staging grounds to gain U.S. favor under Trump’s leadership. However, this could strain regional relations, especially given Nigeria’s significant influence on the continent and its likely objection to any unilateral U.S. military intervention.
Tinubu Administration Responds to U.S. Plans
The Nigerian government, through presidential aide Daniel Bwala, said it would welcome international collaboration against terrorism but warned that any U.S. military action must respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Bwala, speaking on Russia National TV (RTU), dismissed Trump’s claims of Christian persecution as “a false narrative pushed by separatist propaganda,” particularly referencing the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
“The decision of President Trump is anchored on misleading reports from a separatist group which falsely claims there’s a genocide of Christians in Nigeria,” Bwala said.
“These narratives are part of an orchestrated media campaign to discredit the Tinubu administration. Independent global monitors and credible civil society organisations have found no evidence of state-backed religious killings.”
Calls for Calm and Leadership
Former Northern Elders Forum (NEF) spokesperson Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed urged President Tinubu to directly address Nigerians amid rising public anxiety over the U.S. threat.
In a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, Baba-Ahmed wrote:
“President Tinubu should have addressed Nigerians over Trump’s threats — directly — to calm nerves, reduce tension, and assure the public that we are not in imminent danger. He must not rush to Washington; that would cheapen our sovereignty. Nigeria needs strong leadership right now.”
Experts Warn of U.S. Geopolitical Motives
Meanwhile, former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd), suggested that Washington’s recent statements could be part of a broader geopolitical agenda.
Speaking at the 7th Annual Public Lecture of the Just Friends Club of Nigeria in Abuja, Dambazau warned that the U.S. “might be positioning itself to establish a military base in Nigeria under the guise of humanitarian or counterterrorism operations.”
He added that Nigeria must tread carefully to protect its territorial autonomy and avoid being drawn into global power rivalries between the U.S. and Russia.
Summary
The unfolding tension between Nigeria and the United States comes amid growing international concern over security in northern Nigeria. While Washington frames its move as a humanitarian response to protect Christians, Abuja insists that it will not compromise sovereignty in exchange for foreign intervention.
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