The Federal Government on Wednesday accused the United States’ of fuelling the renewed terror attacks, including the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi and the assault on worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State.
The FG attributed public anger over the incidents nationwide to the recent remarks by officials the U S government.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said president Donald Trump’s posts alleging “Christian genocide” in Nigeria and threatening to deploy US troops had “inadvertently emboldened opportunistic violent groups” now seeking to justify attacks on soft targets.
“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,” Akume said on Wednesday.
According to the SGF, “Before these statements, insurgency structures had been significantly degraded and reduced to isolated banditry.
“This resurgence underscores the vital need for collaboration, not public labelling, between Nigeria and the United States.”
Trump had, severally posted on X between October 30 and November 1, 2025, designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over allegations of a Christian genocide.
He had threatened to deploy military forces to Nigeria if the alleged killings of Christians did not stop.
Trump had ordered the Department of War to get set for “possible action” should the violence continue.
He also said he would suspend all U.S. assistance to Nigeria if President Bola Tinubu’s administration failed to address the alleged persecution.
The SGF said terrorists campaigns had significantly been weakened and reduced to isolated banditry before these statements.
“Some groups were now attempting to leverage on those remarks to gain visibility.
“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.”
Akume the FG does not want foreign troops, adding that the Nigerian Armed Forces have reclaimed territories and degraded Boko Haram and ISWAP structures.
He said what Nigeria needs was targeted support from partners, especially in intelligence, technology and 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.
The government reject claims describing the conflict as a “Christian genocide,” the SGF said, adding that verified evidence shows insurgents and criminal groups have attacked both churches and mosques, killing Muslims and Christians.
“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,” Akume said.
