*Says it’s time for Nigerians to speak with one voice
By Citizenship Newspaper
The Federal Government has again reaffirmed the capability of the Nigerian Armed Forces to resolve the security challenges being experienced in parts of the country, saying the country does not need the presence of foreign troops.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume gave the position at a press conference in his office in Abuja on Wednesday.
The conference was titled “The Evolution of Violent Extremism, Boko Haram, ISIS and ISWAP Insurgency, North-West Banditry, Economic Drivers, Illegal Mining, Humanitarian Impact, and Clarification on Claims of Christian Genocide.”
According to Akume, Nigeria does not require foreign troops, adding rather that what is needed is support from partners, especially the United States, in the areas of intelligence cooperation, technology and military equipment support for advanced engagement against the insurgents.
Recall that the United States President, Donald Trump had recently threatened to send troops to protect Christians in Nigeria over claims that they are being targeted for genocide.
Akume said the Armed Forces of Nigeria are highly capable, experienced and professional.
“They have reclaimed vast territories, degraded Boko Haram/ISWAP leadership structures, and conducted successful multi-theatre operations,” he said.
Addressing the claims of genocide against Christians, Akume said both Christians and Muslims have suffered equally from the attacks of terrorists and no credible international institution has before now designated the crisis as genocide against Christians.
He said Boko Haram/ISWAP do attack both churches and mosques, killing Muslims and Christians alike.
He said also that bandits target all communities without religious distinction, and the victims include Christians, Muslims, and traditionalists, which according to him confirms that the motives of the attacks are economic and ideological, not religious.
In his words: “The current misrepresentation of the crisis as “genocide against Christians” fuels dangerous religious tensions, emboldens extremist and criminal factions seeking to exploit sectarian narratives, creates diplomatic frictions based on inaccurate interpretations, and undermines Nigeria’s longstanding efforts to build constructive international security partnerships.”
On the impact statements by the US, Akume said they have inadvertently emboldened opportunistic violent groups seeking to exploit international narratives and make bold statements by attacking soft targets.
“Before these statements, insurgency structures had been significantly degraded and reduced to isolated banditry. This resurgence underscores the vital need for collaboration—not public labeling—between Nigeria and the United States.”
He said the official position of the Federal Government is that Nigeria rejects any characterization of the conflict as a genocide against Christians or any group.
He said the government remains committed to protecting all citizens and strengthening cooperation with international partners—especially the United States—to dismantle extremist and criminal networks.
“Nigeria is a secular state as guaranteed by various provisions of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended. No state religion is adopted as a national religion and no citizen of Nigeria is above the Nigerian constitution.
“The appointment made by the present administration reflects the diversities of our nation and both Christians and Muslims and members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) holding key positions in equal proportion including the Nigerian security council, the body that deals with all security challenges in Nigeria.”
On the way forward, he called for collaboration to address the security challenges in Nigeria in order to strengthen nationwide security operations.
He said the collaboration will deepen intelligence-sharing with the United States and allies.
He said it will also intensify follow-the-money operations targeting illegal mining, trafficking, all other forms of transnational crimes in Nigeria.
The security pact he said will enhance rural security, border surveillance and governance.
It will also uphold strict human-rights safeguards, he said, adding that the United States remains the largest democracy in the world, and Nigeria, the largest democracy in Africa, modeled after the American system.
“Our two nations share a historic responsibility to work together to promote global stability, strengthen democratic values especially in Africa, and confront extremist threats in Nigeria and other neighboring nations.
“Nigeria is committed to deepening our diplomatic ties and strategic partnership based on mutual respect and reciprocity.
“In closing, I wish to appeal to the sense of patriotism of all Nigerians irrespective of tribe, religion or political persuasions that now is the time to speak with one strong and united voice to confront a common enemy. The terrorists, bandits and extremists insurgents, and completely eradicate them from our national borders.”
