US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth says the United States will work “aggressively” with Nigeria to end the persecution of Christians by jihadist groups.
Hegseth made the declaration in a post on X on Friday while sharing an update on his meeting with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and other senior officials in Washington.
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“Yesterday, I met with Nigeria’s National Security Advisor and his team to discuss the horrific violence against Christians in their country,” Hegseth wrote. “Under @POTUS leadership, DOW is working aggressively with Nigeria to end the persecution of Christians by jihadist terrorists.”
The Nigerian delegation included Bianca Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun; Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Olasunkami Fagbemi; Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede; and Chief of Defence Intelligence Lt. Gen. E.A.P. Undiendeye.
The meeting is part of ongoing engagements between US officials and Nigerian authorities following increased scrutiny over religiously targeted violence and the government’s handling of insecurity nationwide.
