BREAKING: US Defence Secretary Meets Ribadu, Vows ‘Aggressive Action’ to End Christian Persecution

• US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth says Washington will intensify cooperation with Nigeria to tackle the rising persecution of Christians by jihadist groups.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has declared that the United States will work “aggressively” with Nigeria to end the persecution of Christians by jihadist organisations operating across the country.

Hegseth made the announcement in a post on X on Friday while sharing an update on his meeting with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and other senior security officials in Washington.

“Yesterday, I met with Nigeria’s National Security Advisor and his team to discuss the horrific violence against Christians in their country,” Hegseth wrote. “Under @POTUS leadership, DOW is working aggressively with Nigeria to end the persecution of Christians by jihadist terrorists.”

The Nigerian delegation at the meeting included Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Ojukwu; Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun; Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Olasunkami Fagbemi; Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede; and Chief of Defence Intelligence Lt. Gen. E.A.P. Undiendeye.

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The engagement comes amid growing international concerns about religiously targeted attacks in Nigeria and heightened scrutiny over the government’s response to insecurity nationwide.

The US and Nigeria are expected to deepen intelligence sharing, counterterrorism collaboration, and operational support as part of ongoing bilateral efforts to curb extremist violence.