Pentagon Acts on Trump’s Directive to “Prepare to Intervene” Over Christian Killings
The United States military is reportedly drawing up contingency plans for possible airstrikes in Nigeria, following a directive from former President Donald Trump instructing the Pentagon to “prepare to intervene” in defense of Christians allegedly targeted by terrorist groups in the country.
According to The New York Times, senior defense officials confirmed that initial assessments and regional mapping are underway to determine potential targets, operational zones, and logistical requirements for any limited intervention.
“We have been directed to evaluate options to prevent further atrocities against Christian communities,” one U.S. defense official reportedly told the outlet.
⚠️ Tensions Rise Between Washington and Abuja
The Nigerian government has strongly condemned Trump’s statement, describing it as “reckless and uninformed.”
Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar emphasized that Nigeria does not permit any external military action on its soil and accused Trump of relying on “false narratives circulated by IPOB sympathizers abroad.”
“The Nigerian Armed Forces are fully capable of defending every citizen, regardless of religion or ethnicity,” Tuggar said in a statement issued Tuesday.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has since convened an emergency security meeting, with reports suggesting that the administration also summoned key foreign diplomats in Abuja to clarify Nigeria’s stance and discourage foreign interference.
🛰️ Inside the Pentagon’s Plan
Sources within Washington indicate that the Pentagon’s review includes:
- Airstrike simulations targeting known terrorist enclaves in Nigeria’s North-East region.
- Coordination scenarios with U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) bases in Niger and Djibouti.
- Evacuation planning for American citizens and embassy staff in case of retaliation.
However, defense analysts have cautioned that any such strike would require congressional approval and diplomatic coordination — both of which remain highly uncertain given the potential fallout.
🌍 International Response
The African Union (AU) and ECOWAS have expressed concern over the rising tensions, urging dialogue instead of military posturing.
Human rights groups have also warned that any U.S. intervention could worsen instability in the region and trigger anti-American sentiment.
Meanwhile, Nigerian social media has been flooded with mixed reactions — with some users praising the government’s firm response, while others call for transparency over the state of religious violence in the country.
🗣️ Expert View
Security analyst Kabiru Adamu told reporters that while Trump’s rhetoric may not translate into actual airstrikes, it represents a dangerous precedent:
“Even a planning directive can create diplomatic panic and shift regional power dynamics. Nigeria must use diplomatic channels to prevent escalation.”
📌 The Bottom Line
As of now, no official U.S. military movement has been confirmed, but both governments appear to be on high alert.
Nigeria’s leadership insists it will not tolerate foreign military involvement, while Washington faces mounting pressure to clarify whether Trump’s remarks reflect actual policy or political posturing.
📰 Full Story Developing…
Follow for updates as diplomatic sources confirm next steps from Washington and Abuja.
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