REVEALED: Inside the High-Stakes Meeting Between US Defence Chief and Nigerian Security Chiefs Over Escalating Insecurity

Fresh and dramatic details have emerged from the closed-door meeting between United States Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, as Washington intensifies pressure on Abuja to take decisive action against growing insecurity.

According to diplomatic insiders, the discussion—held at the Pentagon—was urgent, tense, and unmistakably direct, with the US demanding tougher, faster, and more sustained counterterrorism measures from Nigeria. The talks centred on the surge in extremist attacks, the mounting death toll, and the growing threat against Christian communities across the country.

Hegseth expressed deep concern over what he described as “continuous killings” and the Nigerian government’s “delayed response” to recent waves of violence. Pentagon officials confirmed that the Defence Secretary urged Abuja to take “urgent and enduring action to stop violence against Christians.”

In a post shared on his X page, Hegseth wrote:

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

US officials say Washington is not only demanding immediate action but is also seeking deeper military cooperation to “deter and degrade terrorists that threaten the United States.”

Trump’s Warning Casts a Shadow

The meeting comes just a month after former US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning, declaring that Christian populations in Nigeria are “facing an existential threat.” Trump further cautioned that the US could consider deploying military support should Nigeria fail to stem the killings—an alarming sign of Washington’s growing impatience.

US Lawmakers Join the Push

Congressman Riley Moore, who also met with the Nigerian delegation in Washington, described his engagement as “frank, honest, and productive.”
According to Moore, the discussions covered a broad security spectrum, including:

Expanded counterterrorism support

Enhanced intelligence sharing

Strengthened security assistance

Protection of vulnerable groups targeted by extremist networks

Nigeria’s High-Powered Delegation

The Nigerian team at these high-level engagements included prominent government and security officials such as:

Bianca Ojukwu — Minister of State for Foreign Affairs

Kayode Egbetokun — Inspector General of Police

Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) — Attorney General of the Federation

General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede — Chief of Defence Staff

Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Undiendeye — Chief of Defence Intelligence

Their presence underscored the seriousness with which Abuja approached the talks—and the mounting international pressure it now faces.

A Turning Point in US–Nigeria Security Relations?

These engagements mark one of the strongest signals yet that the United States is deeply concerned about Nigeria’s handling of terrorism and sectarian violence. Washington’s renewed involvement suggests a possible recalibration of bilateral security cooperation—and a push for Nigeria to strengthen internal security structures, improve rapid response mechanisms, and work more closely with global partners.

As insecurity continues to spread across Nigeria, the coming weeks may determine whether this intensified US pressure will translate into decisive government action—or widen diplomatic strains between both nations.