The Pentagon was caught off guard after former U.S. President Donald Trump issued an unexpected directive ordering the U.S. military to prepare for possible strikes in Nigeria.
The order, posted on his Truth Social account over the weekend, accused the Nigerian government of allowing the killing of Christians and directed the Department of Defense to be ready for what he described as “fast, vicious, and sweet” action.
Multiple defense officials who spoke to Reuters confirmed that the directive was not part of any existing U.S. military plan or strategic discussion. The sudden announcement, they said, left senior Pentagon officers scrambling to understand its intent and the operational implications.
Defense Secretary James Danly reportedly responded “Yes, sir,” to the directive, but several officials described being blindsided by the order. One U.S. military official, who requested anonymity, said, “We are all learning about this at the same time.”
Trump’s instruction marks a significant deviation from the Pentagon’s current priorities, which have focused on border security, countering China’s growing military influence, and reinforcing NATO allies against Russia. The statement immediately shifted attention to Africa, a region where the United States has limited operational presence and one permanent military base in Djibouti — more than 2,000 miles from Nigeria.
Analysts say the logistical and intelligence requirements for any direct strike in Nigeria are substantial. The U.S. would need regional cooperation, intelligence assets, and on-ground coordination to identify militant targets linked to Boko Haram or Islamic State–West Africa Province (ISWAP). For now, officials confirmed that no specific plans or movements have been ordered.
Trump’s directive came shortly after his administration added Nigeria to the list of “Countries of Particular Concern” — a U.S. designation for nations that violate religious freedoms. The decision followed lobbying from evangelical groups and lawmakers urging action against what they describe as attacks on Christians in Nigeria.
White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said Trump was moved by growing concerns over violence targeting Christian communities.
“The president was motivated to take action against the existential threat that Christians are facing in Nigeria,” she said, noting that Trump remains the final decision-maker on all foreign policy matters.
Evangelical leader Gary Bauer told Reuters that several faith groups and U.S. lawmakers, including Senator Ted Cruz, had urged the administration to act. Cruz previously accused Nigerian authorities of tolerating what he called a “Christian genocide” over the past 15 years.
Despite the strong rhetoric, U.S. defense officials said there have been no operational orders or resource allocations to West Africa. They described Trump’s remarks as unexpected and said they reflect the unpredictable communication style that characterized parts of his administration.
Military experts said any strike against insurgent groups in Nigeria would require time, coordination, and regional intelligence buildup. They noted that while Trump’s comments may have political motivation, such threats risk complicating relations with African allies and could strain ongoing counterterrorism partnerships.
Nigeria’s government has yet to issue an official response. The country continues to face insurgency in its northeast, where Boko Haram and ISWAP have killed tens of thousands and displaced millions since 2009. While federal forces have made progress, sporadic attacks continue across several states.
The directive adds to concerns among analysts about the unpredictability of U.S. defense policy. Trump’s social media announcements, often made without prior coordination, have repeatedly forced the Pentagon to adjust its posture in real time.
For now, no immediate action is expected, but the statement underscores how a single presidential post can generate uncertainty across the defense establishment and heighten geopolitical tension with one of Africa’s most strategic partners.
