- Washington, Abuja Deepen Security Ties Amid Terrorism Concerns
- Hegseth stressed the need for Nigeria to show stronger commitment and take urgent, sustained action to halt attacks on Christian communities
- Ribadu led a high-powered Nigerian delegation to Washington
The United States Government has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with Nigeria in combating terrorism following a high-level security meeting at the Pentagon on Thursday, November 20.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the meeting, convened by US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, brought together a Nigerian security delegation led by National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu. It was held on the same day the US Congress debated allegations of Christian genocide in Nigeria.
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In a readout signed by Sean Parnell, Assistant to the US Secretary of War for Public Affairs, both sides discussed strategies to achieve “tangible progress on stopping violence against Christians in Nigeria and combating West African jihadist terrorist groups.”
The statement added that Secretary Hegseth stressed the need for Nigeria to show stronger commitment and take urgent, sustained action to halt attacks on Christian communities. He also outlined the US Department of War’s readiness to work “by, with, and through Nigeria” to deter and degrade terrorist organisations operating in the region.
The development comes after US President Donald Trump threatened to order the deployment of American troops to Nigeria to “wipe out the Islamic terrorists” he accused of killing Christians.
Acting on President Bola Tinubu’s directive, Ribadu led a high-powered Nigerian delegation to Washington to address the concerns raised by US policymakers. Members of the delegation included Bianca Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police; Lateef Fagbemi, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice; and General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff.
The team also held discussions with Riley Moore, a member of the US House of Representatives, as Nigeria continues diplomatic engagements to counter international perceptions about religiously targeted violence and to strengthen counterterrorism cooperation.
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