The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, on Monday convened a high-level meeting with service chiefs and heads of security and intelligence agencies at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in Abuja, following reports of a directive by U.S. President Donald Trump for possible military action in Nigeria.
A security source told Zagazola Makama that the emergency meeting, which began on Monday afternoon, was convened to assess the implications of Trump’s recent statement accusing the Nigerian government of failing to protect Christians from Islamist militant groups.
Trump’s remarks, made late Saturday, alleged that the U.S. military was being prepared to “act in Nigeria to tackle Islamist militancy.” The comments have generated widespread concern within diplomatic and security circles in Abuja.
According to the source, the NSA called the meeting to harmonize national security responses and review intelligence reports on the possible fallout from the U.S. president’s statement.
While Trump did not specify which incidents he was referring to, claims of a “genocide against Christians” in Nigeria have been circulating among certain right-wing groups in the United States in recent months.
However, independent analysts and monitoring organizations have consistently reported that both Christians and Muslims have suffered from terrorism, banditry, and communal violence in Nigeria, with no credible evidence of a targeted campaign against any particular religious group.
The outcome of the security meeting is expected to be communicated through official channels by the Office of the National Security Adviser.