The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on Monday held a high-level meeting with service chiefs and heads of security and intelligence agencies in Abuja following U.S. President Donald Trump’s declaration of possible military action against Nigeria over alleged killings of Christians.
According to sources, the emergency meeting — which took place at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) — was convened to coordinate a national security response and assess the implications of the U.S. president’s statement.
The outcome of the deliberation, sources said, would be communicated through official channels from the NSA’s office.
Trump, speaking late Sunday aboard Air Force One, warned that ground operations and air strikes could form part of a potential U.S. attack on Nigeria if the country failed to curb “mass killings of Christians.”
“They’re killing the Christians and killing them in very large numbers. We’re not going to allow that to happen,” Trump said, adding that he had directed the Pentagon to prepare a “possible plan of attack.”
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump claimed he had asked for “a fast, vicious, and sweet” response if the killings continued.
Chad Closes Border with Nigeria
In a related development, the Government of Chad has announced the immediate closure of its border with Nigeria amid rising regional tension over Trump’s remarks.
Military sources in N’djamena, headquarters of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), confirmed that President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno ordered a complete military lockdown along the Nigerian border.
“No armed group or foreign force will be allowed to enter Chadian soil under any disguise,” Déby reportedly warned.
Troops and armoured vehicles have been deployed across key border corridors to prevent infiltration by armed groups fleeing northern Nigeria.
Reactions in Nigeria
The U.S. threat has triggered widespread reactions from political leaders, security experts, and civil society.
Peter Obi: U.S. Designation Is Consequence of Incompetence
2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, said Nigeria’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern (CPC)” by the U.S. stemmed from “lack of competent and committed leadership.”
“The insecurity did not start with this government, but the lack of competence and prudent use of resources has worsened the situation,” Obi said on X (formerly Twitter), urging both countries to pursue constructive diplomatic engagement instead of confrontation.
Adeleke Calls for Diplomacy
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, also urged renewed diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and the U.S., describing Trump’s threat as a “wake-up call” for stronger counter-terrorism efforts.
“We need our international partners to expand support for Nigeria’s security agencies. Peaceful interface between Abuja and Washington holds the key, not war,” he said.
Afenifere Warns Against Foreign Intervention
The Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, cautioned President Bola Tinubu against allowing any foreign military or humanitarian intervention, blaming Nigeria’s insecurity on failure to implement state police and restructure governance.
In a statement by its leaders Oba Oladipo Olaitan and Prince Justice Faloye, Afenifere said:
“Regardless of whether the killings are religious or ethnic, people are dying due to the government’s failure to create state and local police. Tinubu must not allow foreign intervention to destabilise Nigeria.”
ADC Blames Tinubu Administration
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) held President Tinubu’s administration responsible for Nigeria’s diplomatic crisis, citing insecurity and poor governance.
“Nearly 15,000 Nigerians have died from violent attacks since 2023. The U.S. action reflects global concern over our government’s inability to protect lives and property,” the ADC said in a statement by its spokesperson, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi.
Experts React
Several foreign policy analysts have warned against panic while urging diplomatic restraint.
- Prof. Femi Otubanjo of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) dismissed Trump’s threat as “frivolous and unserious,” saying it did not reflect official U.S. foreign policy.
- Prof. Oladiipo Kolawole warned that any U.S. military intervention could escalate violence and worsen the humanitarian crisis, urging Nigeria to demand an apology through diplomatic channels.
- Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, DG of the Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution, called the tension “a normal diplomatic episode” that should be resolved through professional diplomacy.
- Prof. Babatunde Ayeleru of the University of Ibadan said an invasion would devastate Nigeria’s economy and social fabric, insisting that dialogue remains the best solution.
- Dr. Muda Yusuf, CEO of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), warned that the U.S. statement could erode investor confidence and undermine Nigeria’s image as a stable destination for foreign investment.
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