The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, on Wednesday, said fresh attacks by terrorists and bandits in Nigeria were triggered by recent pronouncements made by the United States President Donald Trump.
Mr Akume, in a press statement addressing the evolution of violent extremism, banditry and ongoing security challenges in the West African country, said “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 US leader in October designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over allegations of a Christian genocide. He also threatened to suspend all U.S. assistance to Nigeria and deploy American troops to Nigeria to quell the unrest if the federal government refuses to address the alleged killings.
Trump had also announced his directive to the U.S. Department of War to prepare for “possible action” should the violence persist.
The SGF in his message on Wednesday claimed that insurgency networks had previously been significantly weakened and reduced to isolated banditry before Mr Trump’s statements, adding that some terror groups are now attempting to leverage those remarks to gain visibility.
“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,” the statement said in part.
George Akume reiterated that Nigeria does not require foreign troops to tackle insecurity, insisting that the country’s armed forces are capable of defending the nation.
Akume stated that the military has regained occupied territories and significantly degraded the operational structures of Boko Haram and ISWAP in recent years.
However, he acknowledged that Nigeria still requires intelligence sharing, technological assistance, and advanced equipment from the United States and other international partners to enhance its ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
“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, ” he said.
Akume also rejected claims describing the conflict as a “Christian genocide,” stating that verified evidence shows insurgents and criminal groups have attacked both churches and mosques, killing Muslims and Christians.
He said that Nigeria remains a secular state and that government appointments reflect the country’s diversity.
He further added, “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. 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.”
There has been an increase in terrorist and bandit attacks in recent weeks, especially with the killing of a military officer, abduction of school girls and the recent attack on a church in Kwara State.
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