On November 20, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth met with a Nigerian delegation led by National Security Advisor Mallam Nuhu Ribadu at the Pentagon. According to Assistant to the Secretary of War for Public Affairs and Senior Advisor Sean Parnell, the two leaders discussed strategies to address violence against Christians in Nigeria and efforts to counter West African jihadist terrorist groups.
During the meeting, Secretary Hegseth highlighted the importance of Nigeria taking both immediate and sustained measures to stop violence against Christians. He also expressed the Department’s interest in collaborating closely with Nigeria to deter and reduce terrorist threats that could impact the United States.
Sean Parnell stated: "Secretary Hegseth emphasized the need for Nigeria to demonstrate commitment and take both urgent and enduring action to stop violence against Christians and conveyed the Department’s desire to work by, with, and through Nigeria to deter and degrade terrorists that threaten the United States."
The meeting reflects ongoing cooperation between U.S. defense officials and Nigerian security leaders as they seek solutions for regional security challenges.
