Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has met with U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Dan Caine, in Washington following a controversial threat by former U.S. President Donald Trump to deploy American troops to Nigeria.
The high-level meeting, held behind closed doors at the Pentagon, was part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to immediately engage U.S. authorities after Trump vowed to send American forces “guns-a-blazing” to “wipe out Islamic terrorists” he claimed were killing Christians in Nigeria. His comments ignited diplomatic tension and prompted global concern over potential foreign intervention in the country.
Ribadu led a powerful Nigerian delegation including Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Ojukwu, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi, and Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Olufemi Oluyede.
According to U.S. officials, discussions focused on reported violence against Christian communities, counterterrorism cooperation, intelligence sharing and the possible establishment of a joint task force. Defence Secretary Hegseth stated that the U.S. was “working aggressively” with Nigeria to address religious-based attacks and broader security challenges.
Nigeria, however, has consistently rejected claims of state-backed religious persecution, insisting that insecurity affects citizens across religious lines. Ribadu reportedly emphasised Nigeria’s sovereignty and the country’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism nationwide.
The meeting signals a critical diplomatic effort to de-escalate rising tensions while strengthening security cooperation between both nations. Though Trump’s threat has raised alarms, analysts say dialogue between Abuja and Washington indicates both governments prefer coordinated engagement over confrontation.
