๐๐ฐ๐๐ซ๐, ๐๐๐๐๐ข ๐๐๐๐ฎ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ: ๐ ๐ ๐๐ฅ๐๐ฆ๐๐ฌ ๐๐ ๐๐ฌ ๐ค๐ข๐๐ง๐๐ฉ ๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ ๐ ๐ฌ๐ฉ๐ซ๐๐๐๐ฌ
The Federal Government on Wednesday said recent remarks by the United States had unintentionally encouraged violent groups behind renewed terror attacks, including the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi and the assault on worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, linked the upsurge in attacks to recent posts by U.S. President Donald Trump alleging โChristian genocideโ in Nigeria and threatening possible troop deployment.
Akume said such comments had โemboldened opportunistic violent groupsโ now seeking to exploit external narratives to validate their actions. He explained that before these remarks, insurgent structures had been heavily weakened and reduced largely to isolated banditry.
He warned that the resurgence underscores the need for constructive collaboration between Nigeria and the United States rather than public labelling. Trump had, between October 30 and November 1, designated Nigeria a โCountry of Particular Concernโ and suggested deploying American forces if alleged attacks on Christians persisted.
The U.S. President had also threatened suspension of American assistance to Nigeria if the Tinubu administration failed to address the claims.
Akume reiterated that insurgency cells had been degraded before the controversial remarks, adding that some criminal groups were now attempting to gain visibility by citing them. He maintained that Nigeria does not require foreign troops, noting that the Armed Forces have reclaimed territories and weakened Boko Haram and ISWAP elements.
According to him, what Nigeria needs is targeted supportโespecially in intelligence, technology and equipmentโto strengthen ongoing military efforts across conflict zones.
He stressed that Nigeria rejects any attempt to describe the conflict as โChristian genocide,โ insisting that verified evidence shows attacks on both churches and mosques, with Christians and Muslims among victims.
Akume reminded the public that Nigeria remains a secular state and that federal appointments reflect national diversity, with Christians and Muslims holding key positions in equal proportion, including within the National Security Council.
He emphasised that the government is committed to protecting all citizens and deepening cooperation with international partners to dismantle extremist and criminal networks.
The Kebbi and Kwara incidents have attracted global attention. Panic spread across the Zuru Emirate in Kebbi when bandits stormed Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu LGA on Monday, killing Vice Principal Hassan Makuku and abducting at least 25 students.
Makuku, who reportedly attempted to shield the students, was shot dead. The Kebbi State Police Command confirmed his death and said 24โ25 students were taken during the attack.
