Trump, Pentagon intensify pressure on Nigeria over religious violence

Trump, Pentagon intensify pressure on Nigeria over religious violence

United States Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, has urged the administration of President Bola Tinubu to take decisive measures to curb the escalating violence targeting Christians in Nigeria.

Hegseth delivered the message during a meeting with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, held on Thursday at the Pentagon. According to an official briefing from the US Department of War, the discussion provided an opportunity for Hegseth to raise concerns over the rising wave of attacks reported across various parts of the country.

In a post on his X account 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.”

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Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell also confirmed the meeting, noting that Hegseth appealed to Nigeria to “take both urgent and enduring action to stop violence against Christians.” He added that the United States is seeking stronger security cooperation with Abuja to “deter and degrade terrorists that threaten the United States.”

The development comes days after US President Donald Trump warned that Christianity in Nigeria was “facing an existential threat,” hinting that the US could deploy military assets if the Nigerian government fails to halt the killings.

Furthermore, US Congressman Riley Moore disclosed that he met with the Nigerian delegation led by Ribadu in Washington, D.C., to discuss what he described as worsening religious persecution and rising terrorist incidents in the country. He described the engagement as “frank, honest, and productive,” focusing on counterterrorism collaboration and protection of vulnerable groups.

Notable members of the Nigerian delegation included:
– Bianca Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs
– Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police
– Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Attorney-General of the Federation
– General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff
– Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Undiendeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence

The meetings underscore renewed US pressure on Nigeria to respond robustly to what American officials describe as a growing security and humanitarian crisis.

Trump, Pentagon intensify pressure on Nigeria over religious violence