NSA hosts US Congressional delegation in Abuja

…France pledges support to Nigeria in fight against terrorism

…As Pastor Adeboye asks Nigerians to put their mind at rest

 

The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, on Sunday announced that he hosted a United States Congressional delegation in Abuja as part of ongoing security consultations between both countries.

 

Ribadu, in a message shared on his X handle, said the visit followed earlier talks held in Washington, DC, centred on mutual security interests.

 

“This morning, I received a US Congressional delegation on a fact-finding mission to Nigeria, following our earlier engagements in Washington, DC, on shared security priorities,” he said.

 

He added that the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, was also present at the meeting, a development he said “reflected the importance both nations attach to this engagement.”

According to Ribadu, discussions during the meeting focused on “counter-terrorism cooperation, regional stability,” and ways to “strengthen the strategic security partnership between Nigeria and the United States.”

 

“I’m optimistic this engagement will deepen trust, collaboration, and shared commitment to peace and security,” he said.

 

The meeting comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions after United States President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged religious freedom violations, a move accompanied by threats of possible US military intervention.

 

The Federal Government has repeatedly dismissed claims of systemic Christian persecution, maintaining that insecurity affects citizens of all religious backgrounds.

 

As pressure mounts, the FG has continued seeking diplomatic and security support from global partners.

 

On November 20, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth hosted the NSA at the Pentagon for discussions on coordinated strategies to address the crisis.

 

In a related development, French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed France’s solidarity with Nigeria in addressing its security challenges, particularly the terrorist threat in the country’s northern region.

 

In a message posted on X on Sunday, Macron said he spoke with President Bola Tinubu and affirmed that France will strengthen its partnership with Nigerian authorities.

 

He wrote, “I spoke with President Tinubu of Nigeria, @officialABAT.

 

“I conveyed France’s solidarity in the face of the various security challenges, particularly the terrorist threat in the North.

 

“At his (Tinubu’s) request, we will strengthen our partnership with the authorities and our support for the affected populations.

 

“We call on all our partners to step up their engagement. No one can remain a spectator,” the French President added.

 

Macron also stated that, in fulfilment of Tinubu’s request, his government will cooperate with the federal government to provide support for the affected populations.

 

Macron’s statement follows a wave of gunmen attacks and kidnappings, particularly in the northern region, that have drawn international condemnation.

 

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, on Sunday assured churches in Nigeria that an end will come to insecurity, declaring that “the church will laugh last.”

 

This is just as he asked Nigerians to put their mind at rest, saying evil will not prevail.

 

Adeboye made the declaration during his teaching, “The Master Builder”, at RCCG’s monthly thanksgiving service, which was telecast and monitored by our correspondent.

 

According to the renowned preacher, the current security realities in the country serve as a reminder that God can build and protect His church.

 

Churches in Nigeria have, in recent years, grappled with violent attacks, including gunmen invasions leading to kidnappings, ransom demands, injuries, and deaths.

 

Speaking further, he said, “We can pull down. When God opens a door, nobody can shut it.

 

“It’s when God shuts a door that nobody can open it. So, I have good news for you, my children, once again.

 

“Put your mind at rest. The gates of hell shall not prevail. Whether the devil likes it or not, the church is going to laugh last.”

 

Adeboye emphasised that beyond building the church, God also transforms individuals.

 

“Why? Because it is God that is doing the building.

 

“He said, I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail. But then God does much more than that. He builds people,” the GO said.

 

The cleric added that God is not only a master builder but also an architect who shapes lives, destinies, and futures.