Nigerian NSA, Service Chiefs Convene Emergency Meeting Over Trump’s Threat of Military Action

Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Mr. Nuhu Ribadu, convened an emergency meeting on Monday with the country’s service chiefs and heads of security and intelligence agencies to assess the implications of U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent statements on Nigeria. The meeting took place at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in Abuja.

The high-level session was aimed at coordinating a unified response among Nigeria’s defence and intelligence institutions, reviewing intelligence assessments, and planning contingency measures following Trump’s remarks accusing the Nigerian government of failing to protect Christians from Islamist militant groups.

Trump, in a statement on Saturday, suggested that U.S. military forces were being prepared to “act in Nigeria to tackle Islamist militancy,” sparking concern in Abuja and across West Africa. He warned that continued attacks on Christians could prompt U.S. intervention, saying any action would be “fast, vicious, and sweet.”

Aides to President Bola Tinubu, including Daniel Bwala, have emphasized that any foreign military operation in Nigeria would require the President’s explicit approval. Tinubu himself reiterated that Nigeria is a democratic nation committed to religious freedom and equality for all faiths.

“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality,” President Tinubu said, noting that his administration has actively engaged both Christian and Muslim leaders to address security challenges across the country. He stressed that Nigeria opposes religious persecution and remains committed to protecting citizens of all faiths.

Despite these assurances, Trump indicated on Sunday that military options remain under consideration, citing ongoing violence against Christians in Nigeria.

The NSA’s office is expected to issue an official statement outlining Nigeria’s coordinated security position and next steps to safeguard national sovereignty in the coming days.