By Obinna Uballa
The Federal Government on Wednesday blamed the latest wave of violent attacks – including the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the assault on worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State – on recent comments by United States President Donald Trump, as nationwide outrage over insecurity intensified.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said Trump’s public claims of “Christian genocide” in Nigeria and threats to deploy American troops had “inadvertently emboldened opportunistic violent groups” now seeking to exploit the narrative by attacking soft targets.
“Recent pronouncements from the United States have inadvertently emboldened violent groups seeking to exploit international narratives and make bold statements by attacking soft targets,” Akume said on Wednesday.
The SGF noted that before the statements from Washington, insurgent networks had been “significantly degraded” and reduced largely to isolated banditry. The resurgence, he argued, underscores the need for cooperation – not public labelling – between both countries.
Trump had, in multiple posts between October 30 and November 1, designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern,” accusing the government of tolerating the killing of Christians. He warned that he might deploy US forces if the alleged persecution continued, saying he had directed the “Department of War” to prepare for possible action. He also threatened to suspend all US assistance to Nigeria.
Akume said some violent groups were now attempting to “leverage those remarks to gain visibility.”
Reaffirming the government’s stance, the SGF stressed that Nigeria does not require foreign troops, emphasising that the Armed Forces have reclaimed territories and degraded Boko Haram and ISWAP structures.
“What is needed is targeted support from partners, especially the United States, in intelligence cooperation, technology and military equipment,” he said.
Akume rejected Trump’s claim of a Christian genocide, insisting that verified evidence shows insurgents and criminal groups attack both churches and mosques, killing Muslims and Christians.
He emphasised that Nigeria is a secular state, pointing to constitutional provisions and federal appointments that reflect religious diversity.
“The government remains committed to protecting all citizens and strengthening cooperation with international partners to dismantle extremist and criminal networks,” he added.
