The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has declared that recent comments by former United States President Donald Trump have fuelled a dangerous resurgence of attacks by violent extremist groups in Nigeria.
In a strongly-worded statement released on Wednesday, Akume asserted that while Nigerian forces had previously degraded insurgent networks, Mr Trump’s pronouncements were now being exploited as a recruitment and propaganda tool.
The diplomatic row stems from an October 31 declaration by Mr Trump, who labelled Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” over what he termed an ongoing “Christian genocide.” He threatened to deploy American forces and suspend all US assistance if the Nigerian government under President Bola Tinubu failed to halt the alleged persecution.
Addressing the security challenges, Akume stated that the former US president’s remarks had backfired on the ground.
“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,” the SGF’s statement read.
He detailed the progress made before the comments, saying, “Before these statements, insurgency structures had been significantly degraded and reduced to isolated banditry. This resurgence underscores the vital need for collaboration—not public labelling—between Nigeria and the United States.”
Nigeria Rejects Foreign Troops, Appeals for Targeted Support
Reaffirming the nation’s sovereignty, Akume flatly rejected the idea of foreign military intervention, emphasising the capacity of homegrown forces.
“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-theatre operations,” he stated.
Instead of soldiers, Akume outlined the specific support required from international partners like the US. “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.”
Government Disputes “Christian Genocide” Narrative, Highlights Secular Status
The federal government also pushed back vigorously against the characterisation of the conflict as a religious war targeting Christians, calling the claim inaccurate and unhelpful.
“Nigeria rejects any characterisation 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,” Akume’s release clarified.
He further stressed Nigeria’s constitutional foundations as a secular state, pointing to the composition of the present administration as proof of its commitment to diversity.
“The appointment made by the present administration reflects the diversities of our nation and 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.”
The statement concludes by reiterating the government’s commitment to protecting all citizens and strengthening cooperation with international partners to dismantle extremist and criminal networks, whilst firmly maintaining that such collaboration must be built on mutual respect and accurate facts.
