FG: Trump’s genocide claims fuel violence, distort Nigeria’s security reality

FG: Trump’s genocide claims fuel violence, distort Nigeria’s security reality

The Federal Government has firmly refuted what it called the “dangerous and inaccurate” Christian genocide narrative promoted by United States President Donald Trump, insisting that Nigeria does not require foreign military deployment but only targeted international support.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, said the narrative was false, harmful and already emboldening violent groups across the country.

“The Nigerian Armed Forces are highly capable, experienced and professional. Nigeria does not require foreign troops,” Akume said in a strongly worded statement on Wednesday.

He stressed that no credible international organisation had ever classified Nigeria’s security crisis as genocide against Christians or any other group, warning that the foreign narrative was aggravating insecurity by giving extremist groups renewed propaganda lifelines.

Violence Not Religious — FG Clarifies

Akume emphasised that Nigeria’s security challenges evolved from two major fronts:

• The ideological insurgency of Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East
• The economically motivated banditry in the North-West, driven by illegal mining, cattle rustling, kidnapping-for-ransom and resource control

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“Across Nigeria, Christians and Muslims have been equally victimised. Terrorists attack both churches and mosques. Bandits target communities without religious distinction,” he said.

He added that North-West insecurity was “overwhelmingly economic deterministic,” not religious, and that this distinction was crucial in understanding the true nature of the conflict.

How Libya, Sahel Instability Fueled Nigeria’s Crisis

Providing historical context, the SGF explained that the collapse of Libya in 2011 and instability in Egypt led to widespread weapons proliferation across the Sahel.

“Weapons flowing through AQIM-controlled smuggling routes entered West Africa and Nigeria, strengthening Boko Haram, ISWAP and later banditry networks,” he noted.

FG Rejects ‘Genocide’ Label

Akume dismissed claims of systematic extermination of Christians, saying the government would not accept such “false and inflammatory” classifications.

“Verified evidence shows insurgents attack both churches and mosques, killing Muslims and Christians alike. The conflict is not a Christian genocide,” he insisted.

Warning to Foreign Partners

Akume said recent international statements—particularly from the United States—have had unintended consequences, emboldening violent actors seeking global attention.

“Such pronouncements embolden opportunistic groups to attack soft targets in order to align themselves with international narratives,” he warned.

The SGF reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working with global partners but maintained that the country’s sovereignty and internal capabilities must be respected.

FG: Trump’s genocide claims fuel violence, distort Nigeria’s security reality