The United States and Nigeria have strengthened their cooperation to address the rising cases of Christian persecution linked to jihadist militants. This followed a high-level meeting between U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, on November 20, 2025.
During the meeting, which also included Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine, Hegseth said the U.S. Department of Defense is working “aggressively” with Nigeria to end extremist attacks. He explained that, under President Donald Trump’s direction, the U.S. aims to support Nigeria’s fight against jihadist groups targeting Christian communities.
Earlier that week, Congress heard testimonies on the growing violence. Hegseth later wrote on X, stressing that the violence poses a serious threat and that both nations must act quickly.
The Nigerian delegation, led by Ribadu on President Bola Tinubu’s orders, included Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Ojukwu, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, and Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Olufemi Oluyede. Together, they met several U.S. officials to push for stronger international support.
Furthermore, on Wednesday, the team held talks with U.S. Representative Riley Moore to deepen strategic coordination. During a congressional hearing, Jonathan Pratt, a senior official in the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs, confirmed that Washington will work with Nigeria to create new measures, including a joint task force. These steps aim to curb extremist attacks and protect communities facing religious violence.
As both countries continue discussions, officials expect more concrete security actions in the coming weeks.
