Nigeria's National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has held crucial talks with United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth concerning the alarming reports of targeted violence against Christians in the West African nation.
High-Level Security Meeting in Washington
The significant meeting occurred in Washington, D.C., where Ribadu is currently leading a high-powered Nigerian delegation on an important diplomatic mission. This engagement forms part of Ribadu's continuing United States tour focused on addressing the serious allegations of Christian persecution in Nigeria.
The discussion took place on Thursday, November 20, 2025, with official confirmation coming through a statement issued via Secretary Hegseth's X handle @SecWar on Friday, November 21, 2025.
US Commitment to Ending Violence
During their meeting, Secretary Hegseth emphasized that the Department of War is working aggressively with Nigeria to stop the targeted killing of Christians across various regions of the country. The US official described the situation as involving "horrific violence" that requires immediate and coordinated action.
In his social media statement, Hegseth explicitly mentioned that the persecution is being carried out by jihadist terrorists, indicating the specific nature of the security threat under discussion. The Trump administration representative affirmed that under President Trump's leadership, the Department of War remains committed to supporting Nigeria in ending this humanitarian crisis.
Expanding Diplomatic Engagement
Ribadu's American tour has included multiple high-level engagements, including a separate meeting with Congressman Riley Moore. The Nigerian delegation's extended stay in the United States underscores the seriousness with which the Nigerian government is treating these allegations and its commitment to international cooperation in addressing security challenges.
The meetings come amid growing international concern about the security situation in Nigeria, particularly regarding religious violence. The Ribadu-Hegseth discussion represents a significant step in bilateral security cooperation between the two nations, potentially paving the way for enhanced collaborative efforts to combat terrorism and protect vulnerable communities.
As both countries continue their dialogue, the international community watches closely for concrete actions that will emerge from these high-level talks, hoping for meaningful progress in protecting religious freedom and human security in Nigeria.
