The United States War Department says it is intensifying collaboration with the Nigerian government to tackle what it describes as “jihadist terrorist” attacks targeting Christians across Nigeria.
The Secretary of the War Department disclosed this in a statement on X, announcing that he met with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and other senior officials to discuss the “horrific violence against Christians” in the country.
“Under @POTUS leadership, DOW is working aggressively with Nigeria to end the persecution of Christians by jihadist terrorists,” the official wrote on Friday.
The comments followed a high-level meeting on Wednesday between Congressman Riley M. Moore and a Nigerian delegation led by Ribadu during a visit to Washington, D.C.
Members of the delegation included Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Ojukwu; Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun; Attorney General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Defence Intelligence Lt. Gen. E.A.P. Undiendeye; senior officials from the Office of the National Security Adviser; and diplomats from Nigeria’s embassy in Washington.
According to the War Department, the engagement “allowed for a frank, honest, and productive discussion about the ongoing persecution of Christians and ongoing terrorist threats in Nigeria.” It added that both sides explored opportunities for “strengthened cooperation and coordination to end the bloodshed.”
The Nigerian delegation reportedly briefed U.S. officials on challenges surrounding counterterrorism operations, protection of vulnerable communities, and rising violence across several regions.
Congressman Moore, who has been outspoken about alleged religious persecution in Nigeria, reiterated Washington’s willingness to support Nigeria—while insisting that Abuja must show concrete action.
“The United States must see tangible steps to ensure that Christians are not subject to violence, persecution, displacement, and death simply for believing in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” Moore said.
He specifically cited attacks by Boko Haram, ISWAP, and armed Fulani groups, stressing that the U.S. government under President Trump remains firm on curbing anti-Christian violence.
Moore also invoked previous warnings issued by Trump:
“President Trump made abundantly clear that the United States will not tolerate continued violence against Christians or other forms of religious persecution. President Trump does not make idle threats.”
SaharaReporters previously revealed that the U.S. House Appropriations Committee is preparing a report for the White House on what it describes as “genocide against Christians in Nigeria.”
Trump himself stated on Truth Social that Nigeria has been redesignated a “Country of Particular Concern” due to the alleged killings. He further suggested that Washington may consider military action if the violence continues.
Moore, who chairs the investigative panel set up by Trump, accused Nigerian authorities of failing to justify the extensive military support they have received from the United States and lamented what he called “global indifference” to the killings.
The renewed American pressure comes amid escalating attacks on schools in northern Nigeria.
Five days after the abduction of 25 students in Kebbi State, gunmen stormed St. Mary’s Papiri Private Catholic Secondary School in Agwara LGA, Niger State, on Friday morning, kidnapping an unspecified number of students and teachers.
The incident was confirmed by Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, Head of Disaster and Relief for Agwara LGA, and Bello Gidi, media aide to the council chairman.