United States Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, has told the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government to adopt firm measures to stem the escalating violence directed at Christians.
Hegseth stated this during his meeting with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
According to information released by the Pentagon, the discussion—which took place on Thursday—offered Hegseth an opportunity to raise alarm over the increasing attacks occurring across Nigeria.
In a post shared on his X account on Friday, the US War Secretary wrote, “Yesterday (Thursday), 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 spokesperson Sean Parnell also confirmed in a statement that Hegseth appealed to Nigeria to “take both urgent and enduring action to stop violence against Christians,” stressing that the United States is aiming for stronger security cooperation with Abuja “to deter and degrade terrorists that threaten the United States.”
The engagement at the Pentagon comes in the wake of recent remarks from US President Donald Trump, who stated that Christianity in Nigeria was “facing an existential threat,” and warned that America could deploy military assets to Nigeria if the Federal Government failed to halt the killings.
In addition, US Congressman Riley Moore revealed on Wednesday night that he had met with the Nigerian delegation headed by Ribadu to review what he described as worsening persecution of Christians and increased terrorist incidents.He said the conversation, which took place in Washington, DC, was “frank, honest, and productive,” focusing on counterterrorism cooperation, security support, and measures to safeguard vulnerable groups.
The Nigerian officials present included Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Ojukwu; Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun; Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede; and Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Undiendeye, among other senior government and security representatives