The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on Monday met with service chiefs and heads of security and intelligence agencies to deliberate on the recent threat by U.S. President Donald Trump to take military action against Nigeria over alleged killings of Christians.
Trump had, on Sunday night, reiterated that ground operations and air strikes could form part of a possible U.S. military intervention, claiming Christians were being killed in large numbers in Nigeria.
Sources said Ribadu convened the meeting at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Abuja, to coordinate a unified response and assess the implications of Trump’s statement. The outcome of the session is expected to be communicated through official channels from the NSA’s office.
The development also triggered diplomatic and political reactions across Africa, with the Chadian government announcing 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 along the Nigerian border, warning that “no armed group or foreign force will be allowed to enter Chadian soil under any disguise.”
