By Paul Ebi
Washington D.C.— The United States War Department is reportedly making preparations for possible military action against Islamic terrorist groups operating in Nigeria, a senior U.S. defense official has confirmed.
The development follows recent statements by President Donald J. Trump, who vowed to “defend persecuted Christians in Nigeria” and warned of decisive measures if the Nigerian government failed to curb ongoing violence by extremist groups in the northern region.
According to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, preliminary assessments and contingency plans are being reviewed. “We are monitoring the situation closely and considering various options to ensure stability and protect vulnerable populations,” the official said.
Though no direct order for deployment has been issued, sources indicate that U.S. military planners have identified potential areas of concern, particularly in the country’s northeast, where Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) continue to carry out deadly attacks.
The Nigerian government has not yet commented officially on the reported U.S. military preparations. However, top officials in Abuja have in recent days called for restraint, warning against any form of foreign intervention that could undermine national sovereignty.
Political observers fear that such an intervention, if carried out, could strain U.S.-Nigeria relations and destabilize the already fragile security architecture of West Africa. Human rights groups have also urged Washington to prioritize diplomatic engagement and humanitarian aid over military force.
For years, Nigeria has battled multiple security challenges ranging from Islamist insurgency in the north to banditry and separatist tensions in other regions. Despite sustained counterterrorism efforts, attacks on civilians and security personnel have persisted.
As of press time, the Pentagon and the White House have not issued an official statement confirming the scope or timing of any potential U.S. military involvement in Nigeria.
