SGF Clarifies Nigeria’s Security Situation, Rejects “Christian Genocide” Claims
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Dr. George Akume, has provided a comprehensive overview of Nigeria’s evolving security challenges, addressing terrorism, banditry, illegal mining, humanitarian impacts, and recent claims of a “Christian genocide.”
Speaking in Abuja, Akume highlighted the two major fronts of insecurity in Nigeria: the North-East ideological insurgency led by Boko Haram and ISWAP, and the North-West criminal banditry, driven largely by economic factors such as cattle rustling, kidnapping-for-ransom, illegal mining, and extortion.
He stressed that both Christians and Muslims have been equally victimized, adding that no credible international body has classified the crisis as a genocide against Christians. “Boko Haram and ISWAP attack both churches and mosques. Bandits target all communities without religious distinction,” Akume said.
The SGF also traced the roots of insecurity to regional instability in Libya and Egypt, noting that the collapse of the Libyan state after 2011 allowed arms proliferation across the Sahel, strengthening extremist and bandit networks. He outlined the historical evolution of Boko Haram, its transformation into ISWAP, and its connections to global terrorist networks.
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Regarding North-West banditry, Akume explained that desertification, competition for grazing land, and economic incentives such as illegal gold mining have driven the violence. Recent mass-casualty events, including the Yelewata attack in Benue State in June 2025 that killed over 100 people, underscore the humanitarian consequences of these crises.
On recent U.S. pronouncements about the conflict, Akume cautioned that public labeling of the violence as a genocide has inadvertently emboldened opportunistic armed groups. He emphasized that Nigeria’s Armed Forces are highly capable and do not require foreign troops, although targeted international support in intelligence, technology, and equipment remains crucial.
The SGF reaffirmed Nigeria’s secular stance and commitment to protecting all citizens. “Nigeria rejects any characterization of the conflict as a genocide against Christians or any group. Our nation is united across religious and ethnic lines, and both Christians and Muslims hold key positions in government,” he said.
Looking forward, the federal government will intensify nationwide security operations, deepen intelligence-sharing with allies, target illegal mining and transnational crime, enhance rural and border security, and uphold human-rights safeguards.
Akume concluded with a call for national unity: “Now is the time to speak with one strong and united voice to confront a common enemy: terrorists, bandits, and extremists, and completely eradicate them from our national borders.”
SGF Clarifies Nigeria’s Security Situation, Rejects “Christian Genocide” Claims