Nigeria’s federal government has firmly dismissed claims of a “Christian genocide,” warning that such narratives—especially from former U.S. President Donald Trump—are dangerous, misleading, and worsening insecurity across the country. In a strongly worded statement signed by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the government stressed that no credible international organization has ever classified Nigeria’s crisis as genocide against any religious group.
According to the statement, Nigeria does not need foreign troops, insisting that the Nigerian Armed Forces remain capable and professional. What the country requires, Akume said, is targeted international support in intelligence, technology, and military equipment—particularly from the United States.
The government warned that the genocide narrative is emboldening opportunistic violent groups, inflaming sectarian tensions, and giving extremist actors renewed propaganda power. It emphasized that Nigeria’s insecurity stems from two separate threats: ideological terrorism by Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East, and economically driven banditry in the North-West. Both Christians and Muslims have been victims, with insurgents attacking churches and mosques without discrimination.
Akume highlighted how weapons proliferation from Libya’s collapse in 2011 and instability in Egypt helped fuel terrorist and bandit networks across West Africa. He also condemned foreign narratives that he said have real consequences on the ground, noting that recent statements from the U.S. emboldened violent actors even as insurgent structures had previously been heavily degraded.
The federal government reaffirmed Nigeria’s secular identity, pointing out that both Christians and Muslims occupy key national security positions, including on the Security Council. Akume cited government response to mass killings—such as the June 2025 attack in Yelewata, Benue State—as proof of Nigeria’s commitment to protecting all citizens.
Reaching out to global partners, the government called for deeper cooperation rather than “public mischaracterization,” noting the shared democratic responsibilities between Nigeria—the largest democracy in Africa—and the United States—the largest in the world.
The statement closed with a national call for unity, urging Nigerians of all backgrounds to stand together against terrorists, bandits, and extremist insurgents until peace is fully restored.
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