The Federal Government has blamed a fresh wave of kidnappings and violent attacks across Nigeria on recent statements issued by the United States, warning that the international commentary has emboldened criminal networks already destabilizing several communities.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, delivered the warning on Wednesday following two major attacks—the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the deadly assault on worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State—which have triggered widespread public outrage.
Akume said President Donald Trump’s posts accusing Nigeria of “Christian genocide” and threatening potential military action had created what he described as a dangerous narrative now being exploited by violent groups seeking visibility.
“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,” the SGF said.
According to him, before the controversial statements went viral, terrorist and insurgent structures had been significantly degraded, with most activities reduced to scattered banditry. He insisted that the renewed aggression seen over the past week suggests that extremist networks were attempting to leverage global narratives to justify attacks.
Akume stressed that Nigeria does not require foreign troops—a direct response to Trump’s threat to deploy US forces—but instead needs enhanced collaboration with international partners in intelligence, technology, and advanced military equipment.
“The Nigerian Armed Forces are highly capable, experienced and professional. They have reclaimed vast territories and weakened Boko Haram and ISWAP. What Nigeria needs is targeted support, not foreign military deployment,” he added.
Addressing Trump’s assertion of a “Christian genocide,” the SGF firmly rejected the claim, insisting that available intelligence shows extremist groups have attacked both churches and mosques, killing victims of different faiths.
“Nigeria is a secular state. Verified evidence shows these criminal groups attack Muslims and Christians alike,” he said, noting that government appointments also reflect the nation’s religious and ethnic diversity.
He cautioned against narratives that oversimplify the crisis, arguing that such portrayals risk fueling division and providing ideological cover for criminal elements.
The recent attacks in Kebbi and Kwara—two of the deadliest in weeks—have amplified security concerns across the country. In Kebbi, bandits stormed the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School in Maga, killing the Vice Principal, Hassan Makuku, and abducting at least 24 students.
Makuku reportedly died while attempting to protect students during the assault.
In Kwara State, gunmen attacked worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, killing at least two people and injuring others before abducting an unspecified number of residents. A second attack along the Ilorin–Kabba Road forced travellers to flee into nearby bushes.
The SGF stated that while the government continues to strengthen security operations, international partners—especially the United States—must avoid statements capable of escalating tension or emboldening insurgents.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to dismantling terrorist and criminal networks and protecting every Nigerian, regardless of religion or ethnicity.
