US Releases Details of Meeting With Ribadu-Led Nigerian Delegation
The Office of the United States Secretary of War has released an official readout outlining discussions held with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and a high-powered security delegation during a visit to the Pentagon on November 20.
The Nigerian team included senior defence, intelligence, policing and justice officials, reflecting the seriousness of ongoing diplomatic engagements between both governments.
According to the readout, the talks centred on two major issues: curbing violence against Christian communities in Nigeria and strengthening joint efforts to dismantle jihadist terrorist groups operating across West Africa.
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth pressed for what he described as “tangible progress,” stressing the need for urgent and sustained action from Nigeria. He reiterated Washington’s readiness to deepen cooperation but emphasised that improvements must be visible and measurable.
The American side framed the violence against Christians as a matter of international concern, arguing that extremist networks in the region pose a threat not only to Nigeria but to global security, including the United States. The Pentagon repeated its preference to work “by, with and through Nigeria,” signalling a partnership-based approach rather than unilateral intervention.
Nigeria’s delegation used the meeting to present detailed briefings on the country’s security landscape.
Officials argued that reports of religious persecution have often been exaggerated or mischaracterised, insisting that Nigeria’s security challenges are complex and affect citizens of multiple faiths. Ribadu and his team reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to addressing terrorism, banditry and communal violence, while pushing back against narratives that reduce the crisis solely to anti-Christian attacks.
The meeting comes amid heightened diplomatic pressure from Washington, including recent comments by President Donald Trump threatening potential US action if Nigeria fails to protect Christian communities. With both sides now publicly confirming the engagement, the readout marks a significant step in clarifying the direction of US–Nigeria security relations as both governments navigate a tense and politically sensitive issue.
