The United States has restated its commitment to working with Nigeria to tackle terrorism and sectarian violence, following a high-level security meeting held at the Pentagon on November 20.
The meeting, hosted by Pete Hegseth, US secretary of war, brought together top security officials from both countries, including Nigeria’s national security adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, who led the delegation on the directive of President Bola Tinubu.
The engagement occurred on the same day the US Congress held deliberations on allegations of Christian persecution in Nigeria.
In a readout signed by Sean Parnell, assistant to the US secretary of war for public affairs, both sides discussed making “tangible progress” in halting attacks on Christians and degrading West African jihadist groups.
“Secretary Hegseth emphasized the need for Nigeria to demonstrate commitment and take both urgent and enduring action to stop violence against Christians,” the statement said.
It added that the US seeks to work “by, with, and through Nigeria to deter and degrade terrorists that threaten the United States.”
The US position follows earlier comments by President Donald Trump, who had threatened to deploy US troops to Nigeria to “wipe out Islamic Terrorists” he accused of targeting Christian communities.
Ribadu was accompanied to the Pentagon by Bianca Ojukwu, minister of state for foreign affairs; Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police; Lateef Fagbemi, attorney-general of the federation; and Gen. Christopher Musa, chief of defence staff.
The delegation also held talks with Riley Moore, a member of the US House of Representatives, as part of broader diplomatic engagements in Washington.
The renewed US pledge comes amid escalating insecurity in northern Nigeria, with recent mass abductions in Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara states drawing global attention.
