*Seeks Stronger US Partnership Against Terrorism
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The Federal Government on Wednesday strongly dismissed the “dangerous and inaccurate” Christian genocide narrative being promoted by United States President Donald Trump, stressing that Nigeria does not need foreign troops but targeted support from its international partners.
The government warned that the genocide narrative is emboldening violent actors and worsening insecurity across some regions. The position was contained in a detailed statement issued in Abuja and signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
According to the FG, no credible international body has ever classified Nigeria’s security challenge as genocide against Christians or any group. Akume said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu considers the growing spread of the genocide narrative not only false but “deeply harmful to national security,” adding that it is now fueling more violence, deepening mistrust between communities and giving extremist elements renewed propaganda tools.
Akume said Nigeria’s security crisis has evolved along two major fronts in the last two decades: the ideological insurgency of Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North East, and economically motivated banditry across the North West.
“Across Nigeria, Christians and Muslims have been equally victimised. Boko Haram and ISWAP attack both churches and mosques, killing Muslims and Christians alike. Bandits target communities without any religious distinction,” he said.
He explained that while Boko Haram began as a radical sect influenced by global jihadist movements, the violence in the North West is driven largely by economic factors such as illegal mining, cattle rustling, kidnapping for ransom and control of natural resources.
“These pressures, not religion, explain the persistence of violence in the North West,” he said.
Akume also traced the strengthening of terrorist networks to the collapse of Libya in 2011 and the instability that followed in parts of North Africa, which led to an influx of weapons into the Sahel and subsequently Nigeria.
“Weapons flowing through AQIM-controlled smuggling routes entered West Africa and Nigeria, strengthening Boko Haram, ISWAP and later banditry networks,” he noted.
Responding to claims abroad that Christians are being systematically exterminated, the FG maintained there is no evidence to support such a characterization.
“Nigeria rejects any framing of the conflict as genocide against Christians or any group. Verified evidence shows that insurgents and criminal networks attack both churches and mosques,” Akume said.
He added that recent comments from the United States have inadvertently encouraged extremist groups seeking international attention by attacking soft targets.
“Before these statements, insurgency structures had been significantly degraded and reduced to isolated banditry,” he said.
Akume reaffirmed the strength of Nigeria’s armed forces, stating that the country does not require foreign troops.
“The Nigerian Armed Forces are highly capable, experienced and professional. Nigeria does not require foreign troops. What is needed is targeted support in intelligence sharing, technology and military equipment,” he said.
He referenced the June 2025 massacre in Yelewata, Benue State, where more than 100 people were killed, noting that the President dispatched immediate relief and later visited victims in the hospital.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s constitutional secularity, Akume said national appointments reflect the country’s religious and ethnic diversity, with Christians and Muslims occupying key positions, including on the National Security Council.
He emphasized the need for a stronger and more respectful partnership with the United States.
“As the largest democracies in the world and Africa respectively, Nigeria and the United States share a responsibility to promote global stability, deepen democratic values and confront extremist threats,” he said.
Akume also appealed for unity.
“I urge Nigerians to embrace patriotism irrespective of tribe, religion or political persuasion. Now is the time to speak with one united voice to confront a common enemy: terrorists, bandits and extremist insurgents,” he said.
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