The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, claims that recent remarks by US President Donald Trump have inadvertently strengthened violent groups attempting to exploit international storylines to justify attacks on soft targets.
Akume declared this in a press release issued on Wednesday, in response to the country’s continuous security issues, including the rise of violent extremism and banditry.
On October 31, Chronicle NG reported that Trump listed Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” due to reports of Christian genocide.
Trump threatened that if the alleged massacres of Christians continued, he may deploy the American military to Nigeria.
He said he had authorized the Department of War to prepare for “possible action” if the violence continued.
He also threatened to suspend all US aid to Nigeria if President Bola Tinubu‘s administration did not address the alleged persecution.
According to Akume, prior to the statements, insurgency networks had been considerably decimated, reducing them to solitary bandits.
The SGF said some groups were now attempting to leverage those remarks to gain visibility.
The statement partly read, “Recent pronouncements from the United States have inadvertently emboldened opportunistic violent groups seeking to exploit international narratives and make bold statements by attacking soft targets.
“Before these statements, insurgency structures had been significantly degraded and reduced to isolated banditry. This resurgence underscores the vital need for collaboration—not public labeling—between Nigeria and the United States.”
Akume reinforced the government’s view that Nigeria does not require foreign troops, pointing out that the Nigerian Armed Forces have regained lands and destroyed Boko Haram and ISWAP infrastructure.
He stated that the government requires focused support from allies, particularly in intelligence, technology, and equipment.
“The Nigerian Armed Forces are highly capable, experienced, and professional. They have reclaimed vast territories, degraded Boko Haram/ISWAP leadership structures, and conducted successful multi-theater operations.
“Nigeria does not require foreign troops. What is needed is targeted support from partners, especially the United States, in the areas of intelligence cooperation, technology, and military equipment support for advanced engagement against the insurgents,” Akume said.
Akume further stated that the government rejects accusations that the conflict is a “Christian genocide,” citing verified proof that rebels and criminal groups have assaulted churches and mosques, killing Muslims and Christians.
He emphasized that Nigeria is a secular state, with government appointments reflecting the country’s diversity.
He said, “Nigeria rejects any characterization of the conflict as a genocide against Christians or any group. Verified evidence shows that insurgents and criminal networks attack both churches and mosques, killing Muslims and Christians alike. The government remains committed to protecting all citizens and strengthening cooperation with international partners—especially the United States—to dismantle extremist and criminal networks.
“Nigeria is a secular state as guaranteed by various provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended. No state religion is adopted as a national religion, and no citizen of Nigeria is above the Nigerian constitution.
“The appointment made by the present administration reflects the diversities of our nation, with both Christians and Muslims and members of the Federal Executive Council holding key positions in equal proportion, including the Nigerian Security Council, the body that deals with all security challenges in Nigeria.”
