FG Blames Increased Terror Attacks on Trump, Says U.S. Comments Gave Fresh Momentum to Violent Groups

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has attributed a recent surge in violent attacks in Nigeria to remarks made by United States President Donald Trump, warning that such statements have inadvertently encouraged extremist groups. Speaking in a press release on Wednesday, Akume said the comments by the U.S. leader have been exploited by criminal and insurgent networks to justify attacks on soft targets.

“Recent U.S. remarks have emboldened opportunistic violent groups seeking to exploit international narratives and make bold statements by attacking soft targets,” Akume said. “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 Secretary’s warning follows Trump’s October 31 pronouncement that Nigeria was a “country of particular concern” over alleged persecution of Christians. Trump suggested that U.S. forces might be deployed to Nigeria if the killings continued and threatened to suspend American aid if the government did not act.

Akume stressed that Nigeria does not require foreign troops, pointing to the Nigerian Armed Forces’ successes in reclaiming territories and degrading Boko Haram and ISWAP leadership structures. “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. What is needed is targeted support from partners, especially the United States, in intelligence cooperation, technology, and military equipment support for advanced engagement against insurgents,” he said.

The SGF also rejected claims that the violence constitutes a Christian genocide, noting that insurgent and criminal attacks have targeted both churches and mosques, affecting Muslims and Christians alike. “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,” he said.

Akume emphasized that Nigeria remains a secular nation with a government reflecting the country’s diverse population. “Nigeria is a secular state as guaranteed by the Constitution. No state religion is adopted, and no citizen is above the law. The appointments made by the present administration reflect the diversity of our nation, with Christians and Muslims holding key positions, including in the Federal Executive Council and the Nigerian Security Council,” he said.

The statement concluded with a call for constructive collaboration with international partners to dismantle extremist and criminal networks rather than focusing on public criticisms that may inadvertently strengthen insurgent propaganda.