The Federal Government has issued a strong warning that recent statements by United States President Donald Trump about Nigeria's security situation are being exploited by violent groups to launch fresh attacks on vulnerable targets.
Government Rejects Genocide Narrative
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, addressed the security concerns during a briefing on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. He firmly denied allegations of Christian genocide in Nigeria, emphasizing that Boko Haram and ISWAP have historically attacked both churches and mosques, killing Christians, Muslims, and traditionalists alike.
Akume, who revealed he was baptized as far back as 1968, stressed that even in his home state of Benue, there is no evidence of systematic genocide against Christians. He explained that the initial drivers of violent extremism in Nigeria were economic rather than religious motives.
Security Situation Before U.S. Comments
The SGF insisted that insurgency had been significantly degraded before the latest wave of commentary from Washington. While acknowledging that the U.S. statements might be well-intentioned, he highlighted their unintended consequence of emboldening extremist factions.
According to Akume, Nigeria requires collaboration through intelligence sharing, technology transfer, and equipment provision from global partners like the United States, rather than public labeling that distorts the country's security realities.
Root Causes of Violence Across Regions
Akume provided detailed analysis of the different security challenges across Nigeria's regions:
North-East Insurgency: The SGF traced the evolution of Boko Haram and ISWAP, noting the significant role played by the 2011 collapse of Libya and instability in Egypt, which opened trafficking corridors for extremist groups. Weapons flowed through Al-Qaeda-linked AQIM routes into the Sahel and Nigeria, boosting the operational capacities of terrorist organizations.
North-West Banditry: Akume stated that all credible analyses point to economic roots for banditry in the North-West, including:
- Competition for land and water resources
- Cattle rustling
- Illegal mining of gold and other minerals
- Kidnapping-for-ransom
- Extortion of rural communities
He emphasized that economic pressures, not religious motives, explain the persistence of violence in the North-West.
Government Response and Capabilities
The SGF referenced the Yelewata attack in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State between June 13 and 14, which independent rights organizations reported left over 100 people dead. He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had immediately dispatched relief materials and ordered a census of destroyed homes and properties to facilitate reconstruction.
Akume insisted that the Nigerian Armed Forces remain highly capable and have reclaimed vast territories formerly occupied by Boko Haram and ISWAP. He clarified that Nigeria does not require foreign combat troops but needs targeted intelligence, surveillance technology, and advanced equipment to finish the job.
Call for National Unity and Partnership
The SGF urged citizens across political, ethnic, and religious lines to unite against violent extremism. "Now is the time to speak with one strong and united voice to confront a common enemy and eradicate terrorists, bandits, and insurgents from our national borders," he declared.
Akume reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to secular principles, noting that the constitution prohibits the adoption of any religion as national faith. He highlighted that President Tinubu's appointments reflect the nation's diversity, with equal representation of Christians and Muslims in the Federal Executive Council and National Security Council.
Meanwhile, the government reaffirmed its commitment to deepening diplomatic ties with the United States based on mutual respect, shared democratic values, and joint responsibility to enhance regional and global stability.
