FG Says Trump’s Remarks Embolden Violent Groups in Nigeria

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has warned that recent comments made by former United States President Donald Trump‌ have inadvertently encouraged violent groups operating in Nigeria.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday, Akume said some extremist elements are now exploiting international narratives to justify attacks on soft targets. He noted that prior to these remarks, insurgent networks in the country had been significantly weakened and reduced largely to isolated incidents of banditry.

Akume said the statements have provided opportunistic groups with undue visibility, stressing that what Nigeria and the United States require is deeper collaboration, not public categorisation that fuels misinformation.

Reaffirming that Nigeria does not need foreign troops, the SGF highlighted the successes of the Nigerian Armed Forces in reclaiming territories and degrading the leadership structures of Boko Haram and ISWAP. He maintained that targeted support—particularly in intelligence sharing, technological assistance and equipment—would be more effective than direct foreign intervention.

Akume also dismissed claims suggesting that the ongoing conflict amounts to a “Christian genocide,” stressing that both Muslims and Christians have suffered attacks on churches and mosques alike. He emphasised that Nigeria is a secular state and that government appointments reflect the country’s diversity, with Christians and Muslims equally represented in key institutions, including the Federal Executive Council and the National Security Council.

He concluded that while Nigeria remains open to international cooperation, efforts must focus on dismantling extremist networks with appropriate forms of support, rather than imposing external labels or interventions.