The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has warned that recent comments by United States President Donald Trump have inadvertently emboldened violent groups in Nigeria who are now attempting to weaponise international narratives to justify attacks on soft targets.
Naijaonpoint reports that Akume issued the warning in a statement on Wednesday while addressing the evolving landscape of violent extremism, banditry and wider security challenges confronting the country.
On October 31, President Trump designated Nigeria a “country of particular concern” over alleged Christian genocide. He further threatened to deploy American forces if the killings did not stop, saying he had directed the Department of War to prepare for “possible action.”
Trump also warned that U.S. assistance to Nigeria could be suspended if President Bola Tinubu’s administration failed to address what he described as persecution against Christians.
Akume said insurgency networks that had been significantly degraded were now attempting to exploit these statements for visibility.
He stated, “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 labelling between Nigeria and the United States.”
Akume reaffirmed the Federal Government’s position that Nigeria does not require foreign boots on the ground, insisting that the Nigerian Armed Forces remain capable and experienced in tackling insurgency.
He said, “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.
“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.”
FG Rejects ‘Christian Genocide’ Label
Akume also dismissed claims describing the conflict as a genocide against Christians, stressing that insurgents target all Nigerians irrespective of religion.
“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,” he said.
He added that the government remains committed to safeguarding all citizens while strengthening international partnerships to dismantle violent extremist networks.
Akume further emphasised that Nigeria is a secular state as guaranteed by the constitution, noting that the Tinubu administration’s appointments reflect national diversity.
He said, “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 appointments made by the present administration reflect the diversities of our nation, with both Christians and Muslims holding key positions in equal proportion, including within the Nigerian security council.”
The SGF urged Nigerians and international observers to rely on verified information and avoid narratives capable of undermining national stability.
© 2025 Naijaonpoint, a division of NOP Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]