Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has warned that recent comments by United States President Donald Trump have unintentionally inspired violent elements in Nigeria who are now trying to use international narratives to justify attacks on vulnerable communities.
Akume made the remark in a statement issued on Wednesday while reviewing the country’s evolving security landscape, including extremism, banditry and other threats.
Trump had, on October 31, described Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over alleged killings of Christians, as reported by The PUNCH. He also threatened to deploy American troops to Nigeria if the violence persisted, saying he had instructed the U.S. Department of War to prepare for possible intervention. Additionally, he warned that U.S. support to Nigeria could be suspended if the Tinubu administration failed to address what he called “Christian persecution.”
According to Akume, security networks that had once been significantly degraded were now witnessing attempts by opportunistic groups to regain attention by capitalising on Trump’s claims.
He stated, “The recent assertions coming from the United States have unintentionally emboldened violent opportunists seeking to latch onto global narratives and stage attacks on soft targets. Before these remarks, insurgency cells had been greatly weakened and reduced to scattered acts of banditry. This renewed boldness highlights the need for genuine collaboration—not public stigmatisation—between Nigeria and the U.S.”
Akume reiterated that Nigeria does not need foreign troops, noting that the country’s military has reclaimed territories and dismantled major Boko Haram and ISWAP strongholds. What Nigeria requires, he said, is specialised support—particularly in intelligence sharing, technology and advanced equipment.
“The Nigerian Armed Forces are competent, battle-tested and professional. They have taken back large areas, dismantled Boko Haram/ISWAP leadership, and executed successful operations across multiple theatres. Nigeria does not require foreign boots on its soil; what we need is targeted support from partners like the U.S. in intelligence, technology and equipment,” he said.
He also dismissed claims alleging a “Christian genocide,” insisting that available evidence shows both Christians and Muslims have been victims of attacks on churches and mosques by insurgents and criminal groups.
He emphasised that Nigeria is constitutionally a secular nation and government appointments continue to reflect religious and ethnic diversity.
“Nigeria rejects any attempt to label the conflict as a genocide against Christians or any group. Records show extremists and criminals attack both churches and mosques, taking the lives of Muslims and Christians alike. The Government is committed to safeguarding every citizen and deepening cooperation with global partners—especially the U.S.—to dismantle extremist networks.
“As a secular state under the 1999 Constitution, Nigeria adopts no state religion. The present administration’s appointments reflect national diversity, with Christians and Muslims holding key positions, including within the Nigerian Security Council,” Akume added.