The Federal Government has said that recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump about Nigeria’s security situation are encouraging violent groups to strike again.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, explained on Wednesday that some violent groups are already using international comments to justify new attacks on innocent people.
Akume said that although Boko Haram, ISWAP and banditry have long troubled the country, they were driven mostly by economic reasons 
not religion, as many think. He stressed that Nigeria had already weakened insurgents before the latest statements came from Washington. According to him, even if Trump meant well, his words are giving confidence to extremist groups.
He said what Nigeria needs from countries like the United States is cooperation in intelligence, technology, and equipment — not public labels that misrepresent the country’s security challenges.
Akume also denied claims that there is a genocide against Christians, including in his home state, Benue. He noted that Boko Haram and ISWAP have attacked churches, mosques, and even traditionalists, showing that both Christians and Muslims have been victims.
He added that bandit groups in the North-West are driven by economic interests such as cattle rustling, land disputes, illegal mining, and kidnapping for ransom not religion.
He warned that mislabelling the violence as “Christian genocide” increases religious tension, strengthens extremist groups that want to exploit the narrative, creates diplomatic problems, and disrupts Nigeria’s efforts to build strong international partnerships.
Akume explained that Nigeria’s constitution makes the country a secular state with no official religion. He also pointed out that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointments reflect a balance of Christians and Muslims in both the Federal Executive Council and the National Security Council.
He noted that the fall of Libya in 2011 and instability in Egypt opened smuggling routes for extremists, allowing weapons to flow from Al-Qaeda-linked groups into the Sahel and Nigeria. This strengthened Boko Haram, ISWAP, and later bandits.
Speaking on the North-West, Akume said studies show the violence there is tied to economic issues such as land pressure, water scarcity, illegal mining, and criminal activities.
He also referenced the Yelewata attack in Guma Local Government Area of Benue in June, where over 100 people were killed. He said the President quickly sent relief materials and ordered an assessment of destroyed homes for rebuilding.
Akume maintained that the Nigerian Armed Forces remain strong and have reclaimed large areas once controlled by terrorists. He said Nigeria does not need foreign troops but rather intelligence support, surveillance tools, and advanced equipment.
He urged Nigerians of all backgrounds to unite against extremists and work together to defeat insurgents, terrorists, and bandits.
Finally, he reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining strong diplomatic relations with the United States based on mutual respect and shared democratic values.
