₦airaland Forum

By Adetutu Sobowale


The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, says recent pronouncements by the United States President Donald Trump have inadvertently emboldened violent groups seeking to exploit international narratives to justify attacks on soft targets.

Akume stated this in a press release on Wednesday, addressing the evolution of violent extremism, banditry and ongoing security challenges in the country.

On October 31, The PUNCH reported that Trump designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over allegations of a Christian genocide.

Trump warned that he might deploy American forces to Nigeria if the alleged killings of Christians did not stop.

He said he had directed the Department of War to prepare for “possible action” should the violence persist.

He also threatened to suspend all U.S. assistance to Nigeria if President Bola Tinubu’s administration failed to address the alleged persecution.

According to Akume, insurgency networks had previously been significantly weakened and reduced to isolated banditry before the statements.

He said some groups were now attempting to leverage those remarks to gain visibility.

The statement partly read, “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 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.”

Akume reaffirmed the government’s position that Nigeria does not require foreign troops, noting that the Nigerian Armed Forces have reclaimed territories and degraded Boko Haram and ISWAP structures.

He said the country instead needs targeted support from partners, especially in intelligence, technology and equipment.

“The Nigerian Armed Forces are highly capable, experienced and professional. They have reclaimed vast territories, degraded Boko Haram/ISWAP leadership structures, and conducted successful multi-theatre operations.

“Nigeria does not require foreign troops. What is needed is targeted support from partners, especially the United States, in the areas of intelligence cooperation, technology and military equipment support for advanced engagement against the insurgents, ” Akume said.

Akume also said the government reject claims describing the conflict as a “Christian genocide,” stating that verified evidence shows insurgents and criminal groups have attacked both churches and mosques, killing Muslims and Christians.

He stressed that Nigeria remains a secular state and that government appointments reflect the country’s diversity.

He said, “Nigeria rejects any characterisation of the conflict as a genocide against Christians or any group. Verified evidence shows that insurgents and criminal networks attack both churches and mosques, killing Muslims and Christians alike. 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 holding key positions in equal proportion, including the Nigerian security council, the body that deals with all security challenges in Nigeria.”

Flangelo12:
Without a doubt.You can plot the increase in attacks to his first threat to storm Nigeria and you'll find a spike that tracks that statement.

"Buhari faults clampdown on Boko Haram members" https://www.google.com/amp/s/thenationonlineng.net/buhari-faults-clampdown-on-boko-haram-members/amp/

-"Not all bandits are criminals" - (Governor Matawalle( Former Zamfara State Governor).
https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/443593-not-all-bandits-are-criminals-zamfara-gov.html

-"Bandits and BH are northern freedom fighters" -(Adamu Garba).
https://gazettengr.com/boko-haram-bandits-are-northern-freedom-fighters-adamu-garba/

-"Not all bandits are criminals" - (Governor Matawalle(-Zamfara).
https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/443593-not-all-bandits-are-criminals-zamfara-gov.html?tztc=1

-"Amnesty will make Boko Haram fighters useful to the nation" - Shehu Garba(2018).
https://www.thecable.ng/garba-shehu-amnesty-will-make-boko-haram-fighters-useful-nation/amp

-"Bandits are not terrorists because they are not mounting flags or taking territories" - (Lai Mohammed).
http://saharareporters.com/2021/10/18/bandits-have-no-flags-boko-haram-ipob-they-are-simple-criminals%E2%80%94-buhari%E2%80%99s-minister-lai

-"Maj.Gen.Muhammadu Buhari, has criticised the subsequent military offensive against the Boko Haram Islamic sect....

The federal government's action was a gross injustice against the north....." (A fight against BH terrorists is a fight against the north." ) -Buhari. https://allafrica.com/stories/201306030384.html

"The Ban/Proscription of Boko Haram is Wrong, Unconstitutional" - Lai Mohammed
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/06/proscribing-boko-haram-ansaru-wrong-says-acn/

-"Bandit terrorists are just common criminals" -(Femi Adeshina).
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.facebook.com/photo.php%3Ffbid%3D3024302077835811%26id%3D1554378488161518%26set%3Da.1608479662751400%26locale%3Dhi_IN&ved=2ahUKEwijlMrlxN2QAxWUV0EAHUQ2DO4QFnoECFkQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1s_bdFjiKYlu0ibXAMHSTx

"Amnesty will make Boko Haram fighters useful to the nation"- Shehu Garba(2018).
https://www.thecable.ng/garba-shehu-amnesty-will-make-boko-haram-fighters-useful-nation/amp

-"Maj.Gen.Muhammadu Buhari, has criticised the subsequent military offensive against the Boko Haram Islamic sect....The federal government's action was a gross injustice against the north....." (A fight against BH terrorists is a fight against the north." ) -Buhari. https://allafrica.com/stories/201306030384.html

Lai Mohammed: Kidnapping, Banditry Not Federal Offences In Nigeria
https://dailypost.ng/2021/05/04/breaking-kidnapping-banditry-not-federal-offences-in-nigeria-buhari-govt/?amp&utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter&__twitter_impression=true

-"How buhari stopped us from fighting Boko Haram” (South African mercenaries).
https://allafrica.com/stories/201811270024.html

"Bandits Are Into Business", IPOB Is Calling For War — APC Chief, Igbokwe Defends Government’s Clampdown On Secessionists...."
https://saharareporters.com/2021/07/14/bandits-are-business-ipob-calling-war-%E2%80%94-apc-chief-igbokwe-defends-government%E2%80%99s-clampdown#google_vignette

-"Bandits need to be accommodated with land gift, feted with plenty cash & love."- (Sheikh Gumi).
https://gazettengr.com/bandits-require-money-land-compensation-to-stop-killings-sheikh-gumi/

-"FG is setting our killers free - soldiers kick as 1,400 Boko Haram suspects are released."
https://www.thecable.ng/fg-is-setting-our-killers-free-soldiers-kick-as-1400-boko-haram-suspects-are-released
https://www.google.com/amp/s/thenationonlineng.net/acn-boko-harams-ban-violates-constitution/amp/

"Terrorists Now Use Walkie-talkie, We Can't Track Them - FG"
https://gazettengr.com/terrorists-now-use-walkie-talkie-we-cant-track-them-space-agency/

Nigerian soldiers not trained to fight bandits, Boko Haram: Chief of Defence
https://gazettengr.com/nigerian-soldiers-not-trained-to-fight-bandits-boko-haram-chief-of-defence/

It Is Not Our Duty To Unravel Boko Haram Sponsors – Military
https://thenationonlineng.net/it-is-not-our-duty-to-unravel-boko-haram-sponsors-military/

Why I Won’t Reveal Sponsors Of Boko Haram, Terrorism— EFCC Boss, Bawa
http://saharareporters.com/2021/09/17/why-i-won%E2%80%99t-reveal-sponsors-boko-haram-terrorism%E2%80%94-anti-graft-agency-efcc-boss-bawa

-"Bandits occupying positions of authority in Nigeria." – El Rufai
https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/national/bandits-occupying-positions-of-authority-in-nigeria-el-rufai/

-"FG Not Against Bandits Because They Are Doing Business" - ElRufai
https://todaypoliticsng.com/fg-not-going-after-bandits-because-they-are-doing-business-not-secession-like-nnamdi-kanu-el-rufai/

Widows of slain military officers and soldiers particularly those fighting the war against terrorism have protested the continuous release of murderous Boko Haram terrorists on the grounds that they have repented but....wants them punished like other criminals
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/01/widows-of-soldiers-protest-release-of-repentant-boko-haram-terrorists/

But the sitting president said "a fight against BH terrorists is a fight against the North...." while a
Nigerian Army General under the APC government is saying "Boko Haram should lay their arms unconditionally, be accepted in the community and rehabilitated.

An ex Boko Haram having laid his arms stands to be a president of this country. He stands to aspire to any position in this country.
http://igberetvnews.com/838280/just-in-repentant-boko-haram-members-can-become-president-nigerian-army-general/

-"FG Not Interested In Naming, Shaming Terrorism Financiers." - Femi Adesina
https://punchng.com/buhari-govt-not-interested-in-naming-shaming-terrorism-financiers-femi-adesina/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook#Echobox=1632211497

But when the UAE identified & exposed Nigerian BH terrorist sponsors based in that country, then the terrorist laden government said that the "Nigerians convicted for terrorism in UAE can appeal to Supreme Court" FG
https://www.google.com/amp/s/punchng.com/nigerians-convicted-for-terrorism-in-uae-can-appeal-to-supreme-court-fg/%3famp

-"Nigerian Communities Are Free To Dialogue With Bandits" – Mohammed Abubakar( Defence Minister) https://saharareporters.com/2023/09/26/nigerian-communities-are-free-dialogue-bandits-defence-minister-speaks-zamfara-inciden

Jagabanfromcali:
Akume is threatening POTUS , akume is threatening the United States of America , you want to be on the run right?

Flangelo12:
Without a doubt.

You can plot the increase in attacks to his first threat to storm Nigeria and you'll find a spike that tracks that statement.

Saturnalia:
There are those who are doing everything possible to make Trump invade Nigeria at all cost, because Tinubu will be automatically dislodged from his second-term ambition.

But If Trump invades Nigeria, under the guise of protecting the Christians from genocide, the North will be worse than Somalia & DRC combined.

dre11:
https://punchng.com/trumps-comments-fuelled-renewed-attacks-by-violent-groups-akume/?amp


Nlfpmod

Kukutente23:
This man is the singular reason Benue remains highly underdeveloped despite the human and natural resources of the state
As gov, he failed.
As senator, he failed
All the govs he imposed failed as well
Now he's blaming the failure of the govt he's a critical part of on Trump
Oga, was it also Trump that made you a massive, unmitigated disaster in your previous roles?