According to the Arise News report on Thursday November 6, 2025, the Pentagon has came up with different types of contingency plans for potential military operations in Nigeria, aimed at addressing the ongoing threat posed by Islamist militant groups in the northern regions of the country. These plans, formulated in rxesponse to directives from President Donald Trump, include options ranging from limited interventions to more extensive engagements.
The draft come amid renewed concerns over attacks on Christian communities and other vulnerable populations by terrorist organizations such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). U.S. officials emphasize that any action would seek to support Nigerian security efforts while minimizing risks to civilians.
The plans are categorized into three tiers: light, medium, and heavy. The light option focuses on drone strikes and special operations forces to target militant leaders and infrastructure with precision. The medium approach escalates involvement by incorporating additional fighter aircraft for broader air support.
The heavy plan, considered the most robust, proposes deploying an aircraft carrier group along with long-range bombers to enable deep strikes into militant-held territories in northern Nigeria. This option would allow for sustained aerial campaigns but requires significant logistical coordination and international cooperation.
Northern Nigeria has long been a hotspot for Islamist insurgency, with groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP conducting attacks that have displaced millions and resulted in thousands of deaths. These militants operate in remote areas, exploiting governance gaps and ethnic tensions between the predominantly Muslim north and Christian south.
The U.S. has in the recent time provided advisory support to Nigerian forces, but this deepening fissures within political superiority resulting in violence allegations, including targeted killings of religious minorities, have prompted calls for more direct intervention. Nigerian officials have expressed willingness to accept U.S. assistance, provided it respects national sovereignty and aligns with local strategies.
However, while the plans remain preparatory and subject to presidential approval, they reflect broader U.S. strategic interests in countering terrorism in West Africa. Potential challenges include navigating diplomatic relations with Nigeria, ensuring compliance with international law, and avoiding unintended escalation. Analysts note that military action could complement diplomatic efforts to pressure the Nigerian government into enhancing protections for at-risk communities, though outcomes depend on coordinated intelligence and regional partnerships. View, More,
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