The Federal Government has firmly dismissed United States President Donald Trump’s comments alleging a Christian genocide in Nigeria, warning that such claims are false, inflammatory, and worsening insecurity across the country.
In a strongly worded statement on Wednesday, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said Nigeria does not require foreign soldiers and remains fully capable of addressing its internal security challenges.
“The Nigerian Armed Forces are highly capable, experienced and professional. Nigeria does not require foreign troops,” Akume said, stressing that what the country needs is targeted cooperation, particularly in intelligence, equipment, and technology.
FG: Genocide Claim Is Dangerous and Unfounded
Akume cautioned that Trump’s framing of the crisis as a genocide against Christians is already emboldening violent groups who are exploiting the narrative to intensify attacks.
According to him, “No credible international body has ever classified Nigeria’s security situation as genocide against Christians or any religious group.”
He said the Tinubu administration views the narrative as deeply harmful, noting that it is fueling tensions, increasing suspicion among citizens, and giving extremist groups “a propaganda lifeline they had long lost.”
Security Crisis Not Religious — FG Breaks Down the Real Causes
The SGF explained that Nigeria’s security challenges developed along two distinct paths:
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Ideological insurgency driven by Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East
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Economically motivated banditry in the North-West, rooted in illegal mining, kidnapping, cattle rustling, and control of natural resources
He emphasized that both Christians and Muslims have been victims.
“Boko Haram and ISWAP attack churches and mosques alike. Bandits do not target victims based on religion,” he said.
Akume added that the spread of arms after the collapse of Libya in 2011 and instability in Egypt strengthened terrorist networks across the Sahel, amplifying Nigeria’s insecurity.
FG Rejects International Claims of Christian Extermination
Addressing narratives circulating abroad, Akume said they are misleading and dangerous.
“Nigeria rejects any characterization of the conflict as genocide. Verified evidence shows insurgents attack both Muslims and Christians,” he stated.
He warned that recent U.S. statements have had real consequences, emboldening violent actors who now strike soft targets to “validate” international rhetoric.
Attacks Still Occurring — But FG Responding
Akume referenced recent tragedies, including the June 2025 massacre in Yelewata, Benue State, where about 100 people were killed. He said President Tinubu dispatched him to the scene with relief materials and later visited victims in the hospital.
The President, he said, also approved funds for reconstruction of affected areas.
Nigeria Is a Secular State, FG Reaffirms
Akume reiterated Nigeria’s constitutional secularism:
“Nigeria adopts no state religion. Christians and Muslims occupy key offices, including in the Nigerian Security Council.”
FG Calls for Constructive Partnership — Not Misrepresentation
He said Nigeria seeks stronger collaboration with the U.S., not public mischaracterisation. He stressed that both nations, as major democracies, must work together to stabilize Africa and confront extremist threats.
Finally, he appealed for unity:
“I urge all Nigerians—regardless of tribe, religion or politics—to stand together against terrorists, bandits and extremist insurgents. Now is the time to defend our nation with one voice.”
