WASHINTON DC: The Office of the United States Secretary of War has released official details of its high-level meeting with Nigeria’s delegation led by National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
Sean Parnell, Assistant on Public Affairs and Advisor to US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, disclosed the outcome of the discussions on Wednesday, following concerns raised by Washington over alleged attacks on Christians in Nigeria.
The meeting comes days after US President Donald Trump threatened decisive military action against jihadist groups responsible for killings and persecution of Christians across Nigeria. The US had also designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) over what it described as systematic religious violence.
Composition of the Nigerian Delegation
The delegation to Washington included:
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Bianca Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs
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Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police
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Lateef Fagbemi, Attorney General of the Federation
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Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff
According to Parnell’s statement posted on War.gov, Secretary Hegseth received the Nigerian team at the Pentagon on November 20.
“Both leaders discussed ways to make tangible progress on stopping violence against Christians in Nigeria and combatting West African jihadist terrorist groups,” he said.
Hegseth reportedly stressed the need for the Nigerian government to show stronger commitment, take urgent action, and implement long-term measures to curb religiously motivated killings.
He also reaffirmed the US Defence Department’s willingness to work “by, with, and through Nigeria to deter and degrade terrorists that threaten the United States.
The meeting followed renewed global outrage over targeted attacks on Christian communities in northern and central Nigeria.
US officials have repeatedly warned that unchecked extremist activity could destabilize the region and pose international security risks.
The Nigerian delegation is expected to brief President Tinubu upon return as consultations continue between both governments.
