U.S. Expert Urges Trump to Set Up Emergency Military Base in Rivers to Counter Jihadist Threat

U.S. foreign policy expert Dr. Walid Phares has called on President Donald Trump to establish an emergency American military base in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as part of efforts to counter the growing threat of jihadist violence in Nigeria.

In a post shared on X, Phares described Port Harcourt as “the main port city of the Biafra region” and said the presence of a U.S. base there would help deter terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and other extremist networks responsible for attacks in parts of Nigeria.

He praised President Trump for what he called a strong stance on the issue, noting that the president had issued “two strong statements condemning the jihadist attacks on Nigerian Christian communities.” Phares added that Trump had directed the U.S. Secretary of War to prepare contingency plans aimed at protecting communities vulnerable to such violence.

According to Phares, the proposed base would allow for rapid deployment of both military and humanitarian aid, particularly assistance from American churches, to regions affected by religious persecution and terrorism.

He suggested that U.S. intervention could be conducted “in the south, from Biafra to Plateau, to push back the jihadists and Boko Haram,” but also noted that a limited approach using “air assets” could be considered if a full ground deployment is not immediately possible.

Phares argued that continued inaction by Nigerian authorities in halting attacks in the northern and central regions had made international support increasingly necessary. His comments have sparked debate online, with some users welcoming the proposal as a step toward protecting civilians, while others warned it could heighten tensions within Nigeria.