By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has said that recent remarks by United States President Donald Trump have unintentionally energised violent groups now attempting to use international narratives to justify attacks on soft targets.
Akume made this known in a statement issued on Wednesday while addressing the evolving nature of violent extremism, banditry and the persistent security challenges across the country.
Trump, who currently occupies the White House, had designated Nigeria a “country of particular concern” over what he described as a Christian genocide. He further stated that he could deploy American forces to Nigeria if the alleged killings of Christians continued.
According to the U.S. President, he had instructed the Department of War to prepare for “possible action” should the situation not improve, and also threatened to cut off all American assistance if President Bola Tinubu’s administration failed to confront what he claimed was religious persecution.
Akume said insurgent elements, which had previously been reduced to scattered banditry, were now attempting to seize on President Trump’s statements to gain renewed visibility.
He stated in part: “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.”
The SGF reaffirmed the government’s stance that Nigeria does not need foreign troops, noting that the Nigerian Armed Forces have reclaimed territories and weakened Boko Haram and ISWAP operational structures.
He maintained that what the country requires from its partners is specialised support, especially in intelligence sharing, modern technology and advanced military equipment.
“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,” Akume said.
Commenting on claims describing the situation in Nigeria as a “Christian genocide”, Akume said the government rejected such conclusions, insisting that verified evidence shows that both Christians and Muslims have come under attack by insurgents and criminal networks.
He added that Nigeria remains a secular nation where government appointments reflect the country’s religious and ethnic diversity.
He stated: “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.”