The Federal Government of Nigeria (FG) has criticised recent statements by U.S. politicians and officials describing Nigeria’s security challenges as a “genocide against Christians,” warning that such remarks are inflaming tensions and empowering extremist organisations. According to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, this narrative is misleading and has contributed to renewed attacks in several regions.
Claims Are Misleading and Dangerous
The government maintains that the U.S. genocide narrative oversimplifies the crisis and misrepresents the situation. It explained that both Christians and Muslims have been victims of insurgent and criminal attacks, noting that groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP routinely target churches, mosques, markets, and entire communities without considering religious affiliation.
Officials also stressed that no credible global institution has formally categorised Nigeria’s situation as a genocide.
Root Causes of Violence
Senator Akume highlighted two major types of insecurity affecting the country:
- North-East Insurgency:
Driven by extremist ideology beginning with Boko Haram and later strengthened by global jihadist networks, now operating under ISWAP. - North-West Banditry:
Primarily motivated by economic criminality, including illegal mining, kidnappings, cattle rustling and territorial control. Many of the weapons used by these groups originate from smuggling routes across the Sahel, worsened by instability in Libya.
The FG warned that describing these crises as religious genocide undermines a proper understanding of the problem and weakens counterterrorism coordination.
Impact of U.S. Statements
The government stated that the U.S. genocide remarks have:
- Reinforced extremist propaganda, giving violent groups a false justification for fresh attacks.
- Encouraged renewed assaults on vulnerable rural communities.
- Strained diplomatic collaboration, forcing Nigeria to counter misinformation.
- Inflamed religious sensitivities within the country.
Officials emphasised that insurgent forces had been significantly degraded before these external statements, making the renewed violence particularly concerning.
Call for Constructive Partnership
The FG reiterated that Nigeria is not seeking foreign troops but rather technical and strategic support, including intelligence sharing, surveillance technology and advanced equipment. The government urged international partners to adopt measured, fact-based perspectives to avoid fuelling further instability.
References
- TheCable – “‘Dangerous narrative’: FG says Trump’s comments have emboldened violent groups”
https://www.thecable.ng/dangerous-narrative-fg-says-trumps-comments-have-emboldened-violent-groups/ - Vanguard – “Renewed attacks: U.S genocide claim emboldens extremist attacks on soft targets – FG”
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/11/renewed-attacks-u-s-genocide-claim-emboldens-extremist-attacks-on-soft-targets-fg/ - THISDAYLIVE – “SGF: US Genocide Pronouncements Encouraging Extremists Groups”
https://www.thisdaylive.com/2025/11/19/sgf-us-genocide-pronouncements-encouraging-extremists-groups/ - BusinessDay – “FG rejects characterisation of insecurity as genocide against Christians”
https://businessday.ng/news/article/fg-rejects-characterisation-of-insecurity-as-genocide-against-christians/ - The Nation – “U.S. statements emboldened violent groups in Nigeria, Fed Govt warns”
https://thenationonlineng.net/alleged-christian-genocide-u-s-statements-emboldened-violent-groups-in-nigeria-fed-govt-warns/ - Daily Post – “Genocide Allegations: US govt being misled – Nigeria”
https://dailypost.ng/2025/11/05/genocide-allegations-us-govt-being-misled-nigeria/ - Nigerian News24 – “FG Denies Claims of Genocide Against Christians in Nigeria”
https://nigeriannews24.com/2025/09/29/fg-denies-claims-of-genocide-against-christians-in-nigeria/
