Nigeria Rejects Foreign Troops, Accuses Trump’s Genocide Claims of Fueling Insecurity

The Federal Government has strongly condemned what it called a “dangerous and inaccurate” narrative of Christian genocide promoted by U.S. President Donald Trump, insisting that Nigeria does not require foreign troops but rather targeted international support.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, issued the warning in a statement on Wednesday, stressing that the narrative is emboldening violent groups and worsening insecurity in parts of the country.

According to Akume, “The Nigerian Armed Forces are highly capable, experienced and professional. Nigeria does not require foreign troops.”

He added that no credible international body has ever classified the nation’s security challenges as a genocide against Christians or any religious group.

Akume described the spread of the genocide claims as not only false but “deeply harmful to national security,” arguing that it is “fueling more violence, sharpening sectarian suspicion, and giving opportunistic extremist actors a propaganda lifeline they had long lost.”

He explained that Nigeria’s security crisis has evolved through two major fronts over two decades — the ideological terrorism of Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East, and the economically motivated banditry affecting the North-West.

“Across Nigeria, Christians and Muslims have been equally victimised. Boko Haram and ISWAP attack both churches and mosques, killing Muslims and Christians alike. Bandits target communities without any religious distinction,” he said.

Akume linked the rise of terror groups to the inflow of weapons following the 2011 collapse of Libya and instability in Egypt, noting that arms smuggled through AQIM-controlled routes strengthened Boko Haram, ISWAP and later bandit groups.

On international claims that Christians are being exterminated, Akume insisted:
“Nigeria rejects any characterization of the conflict as a genocide against Christians or any group.”

He warned that some recent statements from the United States have had damaging effects on the ground:
“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 claims gained traction, he noted, insurgent operations had been significantly weakened, leaving mostly isolated banditry incidents.

Akume also referenced the June 2025 killings in Yelewata, Benue State, where over 100 people were murdered. He said President Bola Tinubu dispatched him immediately with relief materials and later visited survivors in the hospital.
“The President directed a complete census of destruction and approved funds for reconstruction,” he added.

Reiterating Nigeria’s constitutional neutrality, Akume affirmed:
“Nigeria is a secular state… Appointments made by the administration reflect the diversities of our nation, with both Christians and Muslims holding key positions, including in the Nigerian Security Council.”

He emphasized that what Nigeria needs from its international partners—especially the United States—is support in intelligence, technology and military equipment, not troops.

Akume urged Nigerians to remain united:
“Now is the time to speak with one strong and united voice to confront a common enemy – terrorists, bandits and extremist insurgents – and completely eradicate them from our national borders.”

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