NSA, Service Chiefs Hold Emergency Meeting Over Trump’s Threat of Military Action Against 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 declaration that the United States could launch military operations in Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.

The closed-door meeting, held at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in Abuja, reportedly reviewed the implications of Trump’s statement and assessed Nigeria’s possible national security response. Sources said Ribadu called the session to ensure a coordinated reaction and to evaluate intelligence reports on potential fallout from the U.S. President’s warning.

The meeting came hours after Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday night that U.S. ground and air operations “could be part of the attack in Nigeria,” claiming that Christians were being killed “in very large numbers.”

“They’re killing the Christians and killing them in very large numbers. We’re not going to allow that to happen,” Trump said.

The U.S. President had earlier posted on his Truth Social platform that he had asked the Pentagon to “map out a plan of attack” against Nigeria if the government fails to stop the killings, promising that any action would be “fast, vicious, and sweet.”

Chad closes border amid tensions

In response to escalating regional tension, the government of Chad announced the immediate closure of its borders with Nigeria, citing security concerns.
Military sources in N’Djamena confirmed that President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno ordered a complete lockdown of the border, saying intelligence suggested that terrorist elements from northern Nigeria were attempting to flee into Chadian territory.

“No armed group or foreign force will be allowed to enter Chadian soil under any disguise,” Déby reportedly warned.

Domestic reactions

In Nigeria, reactions to Trump’s statement have been swift and divided.

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State called for renewed diplomatic engagement between Abuja and Washington, urging both nations to resolve the issue peacefully.

“We need our international partners to expand their support for Nigerian security agencies,” Adeleke said. “Peaceful dialogue, not military intervention, holds the key.”

The Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, criticised the federal government for failing to implement state police, which it said could have reduced insecurity and forestalled foreign threats.

“President Tinubu should not allow foreign military intervention to cause religious or ethnic wars due to negligence,” the group stated, calling for immediate restructuring and local policing.

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi described the U.S. designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern (CPC)” as a reflection of leadership failure and poor governance.

“Nigeria’s unprecedented insecurity is avoidable with competent leadership,” Obi said. “Both countries must engage constructively to restore peace and stability.”

Similarly, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) blamed President Bola Tinubu’s administration for the development, saying worsening insecurity had cost nearly 15,000 lives since 2023.

Experts warn of economic, diplomatic fallout

Foreign policy experts have cautioned that Trump’s comments could worsen insecurity and damage Nigeria’s investment image.

Prof. Femi Otubanjo of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs dismissed Trump’s remarks as “childish” and “frivolous,” arguing that they do not represent U.S. foreign policy.

“America’s foreign policy does not prioritise religious persecution in other countries. This is merely a reflection of Trump’s personal bias,” he said.

Economic analyst Dr. Muda Yusuf, CEO of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), warned that the remarks could unsettle investors.

“Regardless of accuracy, Trump’s statement risks undermining Nigeria’s image as a stable investment destination,” he said.

Scholars such as Prof. Babatunde Ayeleru of the University of Ibadan and Prof. Oladiipo Kolawole of the Nigeria French Language Village also urged the federal government to prioritise diplomacy, warning that any military intervention could escalate violence and humanitarian crises.

“No country goes to war and remains the same,” Ayeleru cautioned. “Dialogue, dialogue, and dialogue should be the focus.”

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