The United States Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, has confirmed meeting Nigeria’s National Security Adviser to address rising violence against Christians.
United States Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, has confirmed holding a meeting with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, to discuss the persistent violence against Christians in Nigeria. The development comes two days after DAILY TRUST reported that Ribadu, who is leading a high-powered delegation, held talks with U.S. Congressman Riley Moore.
In a post on X announcing Thursday’s meeting, Hegseth stated, “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.”
Hegseth has drawn attention in Nigeria following President Donald Trump’s earlier directive asking him to prepare for “possible action” if Nigeria fails to curb the killing of Christians. Trump warned that the U.S. could cut aid and potentially intervene “guns-a-blazing,” adding that any such action would be “fast, vicious, and sweet.”
Reaffirming the president’s stance, Hegseth wrote, “The Department of War is preparing for action. Either the Nigerian government protects Christians, or we will kill the Islamic terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.”
Nigeria maintains there is no constitutional basis for claims of religious persecution. Commenting on the crisis, Pope Leo noted that both Christians and Muslims have been victims of terrorism linked to economic and territorial disputes.