The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has met with the United States Defence Secretary, Mr. Pete Hegseth, following recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump threatening possible military action in Nigeria.
Hegseth announced the meeting in a post on his official X handle on Friday, stating that he received Ribadu and his delegation to discuss incidents of violence affecting Christian communities in Nigeria.
“Yesterday, I met with Nigeria’s National Security Advisor and his team to discuss the horrific violence against Christians in their country,” Hegseth wrote.
He added that the U.S. Department of War, under President Trump’s directives, was engaging with Nigeria on efforts to address attacks linked to jihadist groups.
Trump had earlier threatened to direct U.S. troops to Nigeria to confront what he described as Islamic terrorists allegedly responsible for killing Christians. He also designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged religious persecution.
The Federal Government has repeatedly rejected the claims, stating that terrorist attacks in the country target citizens of different religious backgrounds and are not directed at any specific group.
Following the development, Ribadu embarked on the U.S. trip on the directives of President Bola Tinubu.
Officials on the delegation included the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu; the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun; the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi; and the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede.
The delegation met U.S. officials to clarify Nigeria’s position and discuss ongoing security cooperation between both countries.
