US Defence Chief Pressures Nigeria Over Rising Anti-Christian Attacks

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has urged Nigeria to act fast on growing attacks against Christians. He delivered the message during a meeting with National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu at the Pentagon.

Hegseth said the US is pushing for stronger cooperation with Nigeria to stop “jihadist terrorists” targeting Christian communities. Pentagon officials also confirmed he asked Nigeria to take urgent and lasting steps to curb the violence.

The meeting comes after US President Donald Trump claimed Christianity faces an “existential threat” in Nigeria and warned that the US could intervene if the killings continue.

In a separate discussion in Washington, Congressman Riley Moore also met Ribadu’s delegation to review rising terrorist attacks and protections for vulnerable groups, describing the talks as productive.