Tension Spikes as Trump Threatens Military Move While US Pressures Nigeria on Religious Attacks.

The United States Secretary of Defence, Pete Hegseth, has called on the Nigerian government to urgently intensify efforts to halt the escalating violence against Christian communities across the country. The appeal was delivered during a high-level meeting at the Pentagon on Thursday with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and other senior security officials.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a message shared on his account on Friday, Hegseth expressed deep concern over what he described as the “horrific violence” targeting Christians, noting that Washington, under the directive of the US President, is working closely with Abuja to confront jihadist groups responsible for the attacks. According to defence officials, the United States is seeking stronger security cooperation with Nigeria to neutralize terrorist networks viewed as threats to both nations.

A Pentagon representative, Sean Parnell, said the Defence Secretary stressed the need for “urgent and sustained action” from Nigerian authorities to curb the killings. The discussions also touched on broader counterterrorism collaboration and measures to support vulnerable civilian populations.

The meeting comes shortly after President Donald Trump warned that Christianity in Nigeria faces what he called an “existential threat.” He cautioned that continued attacks on Christian communities could compel the United States to consider military intervention, a statement that has heightened diplomatic tensions between both countries.

Separately, US Congressman Riley Moore confirmed that he held talks with the Nigerian delegation in Washington on Wednesday night. He described the engagement as candid and constructive, focusing on security assistance, counter-jihadist operations, and the protection of at-risk communities.

Nigeria’s delegation comprised top government and military officials, including Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Ojukwu, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, and Chief of Defence Intelligence Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Undiendeye, alongside senior representatives from the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Ministry of Defence.