Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, held a closed-door meeting with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Dan Caine, in Washington, following US President Donald Trump’s threat to deploy military action against Nigeria over alleged Christian persecution.
The meeting, confirmed by two defense officials, aimed to address Trump’s warning to send troops “guns-a-blazing” to “wipe out Islamic terrorists” in Nigeria.
Ribadu, leading a high-level delegation on President Bola Tinubu’s directives, also met with US Representative Riley Moore, a vocal advocate for addressing Christian persecution in Nigeria.
The delegation included Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Ojukwu, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, and Chief of Defence Staff Olufemi Oluyede.
The US State Department is working with Nigeria on measures, including a task force, to address alleged Christian persecution.
However, US Representative Sara Jacobs criticized Trump’s threat as “reckless,” emphasizing that Congress hasn’t authorized force in Nigeria and any unilateral action would breach international law.
