Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, convened an urgent meeting with the country’s top military and intelligence officials in Abuja on Monday to chart the government’s response to pressure from Donald Trump and formal U.S. sanctions. The meeting followed Trump’s demand that Nigeria act swiftly to protect Christians and his re‑designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) for religious‑freedom violations.
Trump’s threat included possible U.S. military intervention, declaring he might “completely wipe out the terrorists” responsible for attacks against Christians. Nigeria’s neighbor, Chad, responded by locking its border and placing troops on high alert amid fears fighters would flee the confrontation. Local media in Nigeria reported more violent incidents as the security chiefs met, including the killing of a community leader in Benue State after a fresh militia attack on Christian villagers.
The Motives and Fallout
The CPC designation speaks to years of targeted violence against religious minorities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt and north, where militant groups and herdsmen have killed thousands. With Trump’s announcement and growing congressional pressure, Ribadu’s high‑level session was intended to coordinate intelligence, assess foreign and domestic threats, and manage diplomatic fallout.
Mixed Signals and Rising Tensions
Despite Chad’s border closure order, media sources in Borno State report that movement across the river remains unchanged. Nigeria’s Defence Chief confirmed the military is stepping up operations, welcoming international support and signaling a shift in posture. With foreign aid potentially at risk, Ribadu’s team must navigate internal reforms, militant pressure, and Washington’s hard‑line public posture—all under global spotlight.
