The Federal Government has linked the recent rise in terrorist attacks including the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi and the attack on worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State to public remarks made by officials in the United States.
According to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, statements by former U.S. President Donald Trump alleging a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria and hinting at possible U.S. military intervention have “inadvertently emboldened opportunistic violent groups” to launch attacks on defenseless citizens.
FG Points Fingers at U.S. Over Renewed Attacks
While addressing the ongoing security issues, Akume explained that before these foreign statements emerged, insurgent operations had been significantly reduced, with extremist groups weakened to sporadic acts of banditry.
He stated:
“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,” Akume said on Wednesday.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to stabilizing affected communities and called for more careful international commentary that does not worsen local security challenges.
Government Warns Against Harmful International Commentary
Akume further emphasized that:
“Before these statements, insurgency structures had been significantly degraded and reduced to isolated banditry.
This resurgence underscores the vital need for collaboration, not public labelling, between Nigeria and the United States.”
Context: Trump’s Recent Remarks
This comes after Donald Trump recently categorized Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern while commenting on alleged Christian genocide in the nation.