US Secretary of War Meets Nigeria’s National Security Adviser to Address Christian Persecution

In a high-level security engagement at the Pentagon on November 20, 2025, United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth held crucial discussions with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, aiming to confront the escalating violence and targeted persecution of Christians in Nigeria. This meeting follows recent public statements by US President Donald Trump threatening possible military intervention to protect Nigeria’s Christian population from jihadist terrorism.

Secretary Hegseth emphasized in a social media statement that under President Trump’s leadership, the US Department of War (DOW) is intensifying cooperation with Nigerian authorities to halt the ongoing persecution by extremist groups. The shocking violence, which involves bombings, kidnappings, and mass killings, has made Nigeria the country with one of the highest rates of Christian victims globally, with thousands killed and abducted in recent years.

The discussions are part of a broader US strategy to ensure tangible actions are taken by the Nigerian government to safeguard religious freedom and protect vulnerable communities. Pentagon officials stressed the importance of decisive and sustained efforts to address the root causes of the violence. Nigeria’s government, represented by Ribadu at the meeting, continues to reject allegations of religious intolerance, emphasizing ongoing efforts to maintain harmony among diverse religious groups.

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Recent violent incidents,including the kidnapping of over 200 students from a Catholic school and deadly attacks on churches in multiple states, underscore the urgency of the crisis. The US delegation plans to strengthen security collaboration to deter jihadist groups while respecting Nigeria’s sovereignty. This meeting symbolizes a critical juncture in US-Nigerian relations concerning counterterrorism and human rights protection.

As the world watches closely, the outcome of this diplomatic and security engagement will be pivotal in shaping future US support and interventions in Nigeria’s fight against religiously motivated violence.