The Nigerian government has attributed the recent resurgence in terrorist activities to public statements made by U.S. President Donald Trump, warning that his remarks have emboldened violent networks and provided extremist groups with a new international narrative to justify attacks.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, said Trump’s posture had become a rallying signal for groups seeking legitimacy, enabling violent actors to weaponise external rhetoric to intensify internal conflicts.

Akume’s comments follow Trump’s October 31 declaration designating Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over alleged Christian genocide. Trump also threatened the deployment of U.S. troops to Nigeria should the reported killings persist and claimed he had directed the U.S. “Department of War” to prepare for possible action.

The U.S. President further warned that Washington could suspend assistance to the Tinubu administration if it failed to halt alleged persecution.

According to Akume, terror groups that had previously been weakened are now attempting to leverage Trump’s statements to regain relevance and escalate attacks.
The statement read in part:
“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. Before these statements, insurgency structures had been significantly degraded and reduced to isolated banditry.”

He added that the development underscores the need for partnership — not public accusations — between Nigeria and the United States.

Nigeria Says It Does Not Need Foreign Troops

Akume reaffirmed that the Nigerian government does not require foreign military deployment, insisting that the Nigerian Armed Forces have reclaimed territories and degraded Boko Haram and ISWAP structures through sustained operations.

“What is needed is targeted support from partners, especially the United States, in intelligence cooperation, technology, and military equipment,” he said.

Government Rejects “Christian Genocide” Label

The SGF also rejected claims that the violence in Nigeria amounts to a genocide against Christians. He argued that verified incidents show that insurgents and criminal groups target both churches and mosques, killing both Christians and Muslims.

“Nigeria rejects any characterisation of the conflict as a genocide against Christians or any group,” he said, adding that Nigeria remains a secular state with appointments reflecting the nation’s religious and ethnic diversity.

He also noted that the Federal Executive Council and the National Security Council contain Christians and Muslims in equal proportion, underscoring the administration’s commitment to inclusivity.