The Federal Government on Wednesday attributed the renewed terror attacks, including the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi and the assault on worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State, to recent comments from the United States, even as nationwide outrage over the incidents intensified.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said the remarks by President Donald Trump alleging a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria and suggesting the possible deployment of United States troops had “inadvertently encouraged opportunistic violent groups” now seeking to justify assaults on vulnerable communities.
According to him, “Recent pronouncements from the United States have unintentionally emboldened violent elements who are attempting to exploit international narratives and make bold statements by targeting soft locations.”
Speaking on the evolution of violent extremism, banditry and persistent security challenges, the SGF added that insurgent networks had been substantially weakened before the new wave of comments gained global attention.
“Prior to these statements, insurgency structures had been significantly degraded and reduced to sporadic acts of banditry. This resurgence shows the need for cooperation and quiet diplomacy, not public labelling, between Nigeria and the United States,” he said.
Trump had published a series of posts on X between October 30 and November 1, 2025, designating Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over allegations of a Christian genocide. He also warned that the United States might deploy forces to Nigeria if the alleged killings of Christians continued.
