The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has said that recent comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump have encouraged violent groups in Nigeria.
According to Akume, Trump’s statements gave extremist groups a new international excuse to justify attacks on innocent communities.
Akume explained in a statement obtained by The News Chronicle on Wednesday that terrorist groups, bandits, and extremist networks have increased their propaganda since Trump’s remarks.
He said the effect was “unintentional,” but the comments still created a dangerous narrative that violent groups are now using.
Trump had said on October 31 that Nigeria was a “country of particular concern,” accusing the government of allowing the killing of Christians.
He also threatened to send U.S. troops to Nigeria if the situation did not improve and warned that American support might be suspended. Trump even said he had instructed the U.S. military to prepare for “possible action.”
Akume stressed that these statements have become a rallying point for violent groups who want attention. He said insurgent groups had already been weakened and pushed down to isolated attacks before Trump’s comments.
According to him, some groups are now trying to use these remarks to gain relevance.
“Recent comments from the United States have unknowingly motivated violent groups who are trying to use international narratives to attack soft targets. Before these comments, insurgent groups had been greatly weakened and reduced to minor banditry. This new rise in activity shows the need for cooperation not public labeling between Nigeria and the U.S.”
Akume also said Nigeria does not need foreign troops. He insisted that the Nigerian Armed Forces are capable and have already recovered territories and destroyed Boko Haram and ISWAP structures. What Nigeria needs, he said, is targeted assistance in intelligence, technology, and military equipment.
“The Nigerian Armed Forces are professional and experienced. They have taken back large areas from terrorists and successfully carried out multiple operations. Nigeria does not need foreign soldiers. We only need support in intelligence, technology, and military equipment.”
Akume rejected claims that there is a “Christian genocide” happening in Nigeria. He said evidence shows that criminals and terrorists attack both churches and mosques, killing Christians and Muslims.
He emphasized that Nigeria is a secular country and government appointments reflect national diversity.
“Nigeria rejects any claim that the conflict is a genocide against Christians or any group. Evidence shows that terrorists attack both Christians and Muslims.
The government is committed to protecting all citizens and strengthening cooperation with partners, especially the U.S., to defeat extremist networks.
Nigeria has no official religion and the Constitution protects every citizen. Government appointments reflect our national diversity, with Christians and Muslims holding key positions, including in the security council.”
