The United States Defence Secretary, Pete Hegseth, has urged the Federal Government to take firm and decisive action to address the ongoing violence targeting Christians in Nigeria.
Hegseth made the appeal during a meeting with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. According to the Pentagon, Thursday’s meeting was used to raise concerns over the growing number of attacks in the country.
Sharing details on his X handle on Friday, Hegseth wrote:
“Yesterday, I met with Nigeria’s National Security Advisor and his team to discuss the horrific violence against Christians in their country. Under @POTUS leadership, DOW is working aggressively with Nigeria to end the persecution of Christians by jihadist terrorists.”
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell added that Hegseth pressed Nigeria to take “urgent and enduring action” to stop the violence, noting that the United States is seeking stronger cooperation with Abuja to “deter and degrade terrorists that threaten the United States.”
Trump also warned that if the Federal Government fails to tackle the killings, the U.S. may consider deploying military forces to Nigeria.
In a related development, U.S. Congressman Riley Moore revealed that he held discussions with the Nigerian delegation led by Ribadu on Wednesday night. Moore described the talks—focused on rising terrorist activity and the worsening persecution of Christians—as “frank, honest, and productive.”
The meeting, held in Washington, D.C., covered counterterrorism support, security cooperation, and efforts to protect vulnerable communities.
Members of Nigeria’s delegation included:
- Bianca Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs
- Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police
- Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, Attorney General of the Federation
- General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff
- Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Undiendeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence
among other senior officials.
