United States Defence Secretary, Pete Hegseth, has urged the Nigerian government to take decisive action to stem the growing wave of violence against Christians in the country.
Hegseth made the call during a meeting on Thursday with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, according to a statement released by the Pentagon.
The Defence Secretary later reiterated his concerns in a post on his X handle on Friday, highlighting the rising attacks in Nigeria.
“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 added that Hegseth pressed Nigeria to “take both urgent and enduring action to stop violence against Christians,” noting that the U.S. is seeking stronger security cooperation with Abuja “to deter and degrade terrorists that threaten the United States.”
The high-level meeting at the Pentagon came in the wake of recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned that Christianity faced “an existential threat” in Nigeria.
He cautioned that if the killings persisted, the United States might consider deploying military forces to the country.
Similarly, U.S. Congressman Riley Moore revealed that he also met with the Nigerian delegation led by Ribadu on Wednesday night. He described the discussions, centred on counterterrorism efforts, security support, and protection of vulnerable groups — as “frank, honest, and productive.”
The Nigerian team comprised top government and security officials, including 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 others.
