US War Secretary tasks FG on decisive measures against terrorism
The United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, has tasked the Nigerian government on taking decisive measures to combat terrorism and violence against Christians.
He made the call in a meeting with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu on Thursday, while expressing concern over the rising spate of insecurity in Nigeria.
Hegseth who wrote on his X handle (formerly Twitter) on Friday, stated:
“Yesterday (Thursday), 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.”
Also reacting was Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell who quoted Hegseth to have urged the Nigerian Government to “take both urgent and enduring action to stop violence against Christians,” adding that the United States was working closely with the Nigerian Government “to deter and degrade terrorists that threaten the United States”.
The meeting which held at the Pentagon followed President Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a ‘country of particular concern’, wherein the US President accused the Nigerian Government of not taking drastic steps in stemming the alleged genocide against Christian population in the country — an allegation the Nigerian Government had denied.
Trump had also threatened to place sanctions on Nigeria by stopping all aids and assistance to the Country as well as take military action, if the government does not move fast in tackling terrorism and protecting Christians.
Making up the Nigerian delegation were senior government and security officials.
