Tension as Ribadu, Service Chiefs meet over Trump’s threat of US military action in Nigeria

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on Monday convened an emergency meeting with service chiefs and heads of security and intelligence agencies following U.S. President Donald Trump’s reported decision to take action against Nigeria over alleged Christian genocide in the country.

The high-level meeting, held at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in Abuja, came after Trump declared on Sunday that the United States could launch ground operations and airstrikes in Nigeria if the government failed to curb attacks on Christians.

Amid the tension, the government of Chad announced the immediate closure of its borders with Nigeria, citing security concerns tied to reports of possible U.S. military intervention.

Reacting to the development, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, urged both nations to pursue renewed diplomatic engagement to de-escalate tensions. Similarly, the Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, faulted the Federal Government for failing to implement state policing, describing it as a major contributor to the worsening insecurity.

Also commenting, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, said Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) by the U.S. was a reflection of “incompetent leadership” and poor resource management.

Diplomatic experts have since warned that Trump’s threat of military action could heighten instability and undermine investor confidence in Nigeria.

A security source confirmed that Ribadu’s meeting focused on evaluating the implications of Trump’s remarks and coordinating a unified national response to the evolving situation. The outcomes of the session are expected to be communicated officially through the NSA’s office.

Trump had earlier cautioned that if the Nigerian government failed to protect its Christian population from extremist violence, the United States would be left with no choice but to intervene militarily.