Trump’s Military Action: US Military Reportedly Drafts Offensive Airstrike Plans for Nigeria

By: Our Reporter

The United States military has reportedly drafted contingency plans for possible airstrikes in Nigeria, following an order from President Donald Trump instructing the Pentagon to “prepare to intervene” in response to alleged attacks on Christians by terrorist groups in northern Nigeria. 

ABC NEWS learned that the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) has presented several operational strategies to the Department of War after Secretary Pete Hegseth requested detailed plans consistent with President Trump’s directives.

It was gathered that the proposal presented to the Department of War was classified into three levels of engagement—“heavy,” “medium,” and “light.”

Reports stated that under the “heavy option,” Washington would deploy an aircraft carrier strike group to the Gulf of Guinea, supported by fighter jets and long-range bombers, to conduct precision strikes on insurgent targets in northern Nigeria.

The “medium option” involves the use of MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-1 Predator drones for targeted attacks on insurgent camps, logistics hubs, and vehicles. 

The plan relies heavily on U.S. intelligence coordination to ensure “precise and timely” operations.

Meanwhile, the “light option” focuses on intelligence sharing, logistics support, and joint operations with Nigerian security forces against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other extremist factions responsible for mass killings and abductions.

However, top Pentagon officials reportedly warned that limited drone strikes or air operations alone would be insufficient to end Nigeria’s long-running insurgency without a large-scale campaign.

The report follows President Trump’s earlier threat to deploy American military forces to Nigeria if the alleged persecution of Christians continues. 

The Bola Tinubu administration has rejected Trump’s claim, describing it as inaccurate and misleading.

In a related development, China declared its support for Nigeria on Tuesday, opposing what it described as “foreign interference under the guise of religion or human rights.”

“As Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly opposes any country using religion and human rights as an excuse to interfere in other nations’ internal affairs.”

said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning at a press briefing in Beijing.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, dismissed the U.S. religious freedom designation, stressing that the country’s challenges stem from terrorism, not religion.

“The government disputes claims of targeted religious persecution. Since 2023, President Tinubu’s administration has neutralized over 13,500 militants and rescued more than 11,000 hostages,” Idris said.

“Nigeria remains open to U.S. collaboration on counterterrorism while emphasizing mutual respect for sovereignty.”

On Wednesday evening, President Trump reiterated his warning, saying:

“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities continue. We stand ready, willing, and able to save our great Christian population around the world.”

The situation has further strained U.S.–Nigeria diplomatic relations, fueling debate in Washington over whether the United States should take military action in defense of religious groups abroad.

Trump’s Military Action: US Military Reportedly Drafts Offensive Airstrike Plans for Nigerian

FRSC flags off 2025 Ember Months campaign in Gombe

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has flagged off the 2025 Ember Months campaign in Gombe State as Gov Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State urged motorists in the state to adopt good road use towards ensuring safety during the period.

Yahaya stated this in Gombe on Thursday while inaugurating the 2025 Ember Months Campaign with the theme

“Take Responsibility for Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving.”
He stated that roads and related infrastructure alone could not guarantee safety unless road users, adopt the right attitude.

He said that the willingness to obey traffic rules and the readiness to share the road responsibly with others were fundamental for road safety.

Yahaya who was represented by Mr Danladi Adamu, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport, Gombe State  urged road users and passengers alike to speak out against reckless driving.

“Every passenger has the right and indeed the responsibility to raise their voice when their safety is at risk. Safety on our roads is a collective responsibility.

“To our youths, I must express concern over the increasing misuse of substances and alcohol which has become a major contributor to preventable road crashes, injuries and deaths.

“I call on our young people to shun these harmful habits and embrace discipline, responsibility and care for human life,” he said.
The governor expressed the State Government’s readiness to continue to partner with the FRSC towards ensuring safety on roads across the state.

On his part, Mr Samson Kaura, the Sector Commander of FRSC in Gombe State said the EMBER months which runs from September to December of every year is usually known with high volume of human and vehicular movements.

Kaura said infractions like speeding, over loading, use of worn out tyres, use of phone while driving had impacted negatively on road transportation and road users.

“This year’s campaign is focused on enlightening the road users through various awareness and patrol operations which will help curtail and finally put a stop to these infractions.

“Another trending cause of deaths in Nigeria is mix loading of animals, goods and humans especially in open vehicles: also scooping of highly inflammable substance (premium motor spirit) from crash scenes involving trailer fuel tankers.

“These factors have claimed lots of lives and maimed many youths in our communities. To this end, we call on the motorist and youth alike to cut down on such dangerous acts,” he said.

FRSC flags off 2025 Ember Months campaign in Gombe

NTAC DG Dedicates Award to President Tinubu, Emerges “Most Outstanding Public Servant of the Year 2025” in Parliamentary Publication’s Annual Event

By: Michael Mike

Director General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps,Rt.Hon.Yusuf Buba Yakub has dedicated the award of “Most Outstanding Public Servant of the Year” received at the Nigerian Assembly Orientation and Award 2025 to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Award,which was held, Wednesday,at the National Assembly Library Trust Funds Hall, National Assembly Complex, Abuja, was aimed at recognizing the best performing public servant in the non-legislative category across the country for the current year.

The event,which drew participants from across the country,is the 9th Edition of the Awards.Speaking at the event,the Publisher of Assembly News,a foremost Nigerian Parliamentary news tabloid,Prince Adeboye Omoboye explained that the NTAC boss emerged best-peforming Public Servant from a national poll.

He lauded the NTAC DG for his commitment and sacrifice to national service and for, particularly,using the Technical Aid Corps Scheme in the last two- years-and-half of the Tinubu Administration to reposition Nigeria as a global giant in the areas of soft power and development diplomacy.

While thanking President Tinubu for the opportunity to even serve the nation,the NTAC DG praised the promoters of the Awards for their visionary approach to progressive and developmental journalism. He also noted that diverse fora such as the day’s occasion were important to chronicle the nation’s history in an era when younger Nigerians were beginning to lose touch with the nation’s evolutionary processes.

Earlier, while speaking on the theme of the day’s event, “A New Nigeria,”Director General of the Nigerian Orientation Agency,Issa Lanre-Onilu admonished Nigerians to rethink their responsibilities for the country, informing that the new 7 for 7 National Value Charter of the NOA has emphasised not only the aspects of what he termed “National Promise”, but its corresponding “Citizens’ Code”. He called on all Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of placing Nigeria above every consideration at all times.Onilu was represented at the event by his Special Assistant on Media, Tolu Meduna.

The event, which saw the recognition of other Nigerians, including those from across the States, for various award categories,ended with a pledge to continue to push for a better Nigeria through parliamentary advocacy and media campaigns.

Among those who accompanied the NTAC DG to the event were the Director of Administration,Amb.Yakubu Abdullahi Ahmed; that of Programmes, Amb.Zakari Usman as well as the Deputy Director and Head of Accounts, Mrs Meimunat Haruna-Mustapha.Others were the Assistant Director and Head of Internal Audits, Mr Adekola Lawal; his colleague, Mr Mustapha Aliyu, an Assistant Director and Mr. Fehintola Adebowale, Assistant Director,Programmes, among others.

NTAC DG Dedicates Award to President Tinubu, Emerges “Most Outstanding Public Servant of the Year 2025” in Parliamentary Publication’s Annual Event