Nigeria’s political space went into overdrive on Wednesday after Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, released a controversial statement accusing U.S. President Donald Trump of triggering a new wave of violent attacks across the country.
Akume warned that Trump’s recent public declarations had effectively handed violent groups a new propaganda weapon, emboldening them to strike soft targets under the guise of global attention.
The uproar follows Trump’s October 31 comments, where he designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” and alleged a Christian genocide. He escalated further, threatening to deploy American forces if the so-called killings continued, revealing he had ordered the Department of War to prepare for “possible action.” He also threatened to suspend U.S. assistance if President Bola Tinubu’s administration failed to halt the alleged persecution.
Akume said Nigeria’s insurgency network had already been severely degraded before Trump’s remarks gave bad actors a fresh opening.
In his words, “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.
“Before these statements, insurgency structures had been significantly degraded and reduced to isolated banditry. This resurgence underscores the vital need for collaboration—not public labeling—between Nigeria and the United States.”
Akume stressed that Nigeria does not need foreign boots on its soil, insisting the nation’s military remains powerful, professional, and capable of crushing terror networks.
He stated: “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.”
The SGF also pushed back furiously against what he described as exaggerated narratives of religious persecution.
He said: “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.
“The appointment made by the present administration reflects the diversities of our nation and both Christians and Muslims and members of the Federal Executive Council holding key positions in equal proportion, including the Nigerian security council, the body that deals with all security challenges in Nigeria.”
