…As Tinubu pledges diplomatic response, vows to defeat terrorism
The United States (U.S.) has drawn up military plans for possible strikes in northern Nigeria after President Donald Trump renewed threats against President Bola Tinubu’s government, accusing it of allowing the “mass killing of Christians”.
According to The New York Times, the U.S. Africa Command has presented three options to the White House. The “heavy option” involves sending an aircraft carrier group to the Gulf of Guinea and launching air strikes deep into northern Nigeria. The “medium option” would use Predator and Reaper drones to hit militant camps, while the “light option” focuses on U.S. partnership with Nigerian forces in targeted operations against insurgents.
Defense sources said each plan carries major risks. Deploying an aircraft carrier would stretch U.S. naval capacity, while drone strikes would be hampered by the loss of American bases in Niger. Analysts warn any direct U.S. attack could inflame regional instability. “It would be a fiasco”, retired U.S. Army Major General Paul Eaton told the Times.
Recall that Trump, in a televised address Wednesday, had said: “If the Nigerian government continues to allow the killing of Christians, we will immediately stop all aid and assistance – and we may very well go into that now disgraced country, guns blazing.” He added that any strike would be “fast, vicious, and sweet”.
The U.S. recently re-designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, halting arms sales and technical assistance. Trump’s stance follows pressure from right-wing lawmakers demanding sanctions over alleged Christian persecution.
In Abuja, President Tinubu told the Federal Executive Council (FEC) that Nigeria remains on a stable growth path and is engaging global partners diplomatically. “We will defeat terrorism. We will overcome the CPC designation. Nigeria is one family, and we shall spare no effort until we eliminate all criminals”, he stated.
Tinubu urged ministers to speak with one voice and avoid panic. Finance Minister Wale Edun reported GDP growth of 4.23%, foreign reserves at $43 billion, and easing inflation, saying reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda were “yielding results”.
Diplomatic observers say Nigeria’s calm tone contrasts sharply with Washington’s rhetoric. While the Pentagon debates military options, Tinubu’s government appears determined to seek resolution through dialogue, not confrontation.
