Why Nigeria says Trump’s ‘genocide’ claim is fuelling violent extremism
Nigeria’s federal government has warned that U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent claims, alleging a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria and threatening possible military intervention, are emboldening violent groups and destabilising security gains made in recent years.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said extremist networks were now exploiting Trump’s remarks to justify attacks on soft targets.
“Recent pronouncements from the United States have inadvertently emboldened opportunistic violent groups seeking to exploit international narratives,” Akume said. “Before these statements, insurgency structures had been significantly degraded and reduced to isolated banditry.”
Akume rejected Trump’s characterisation of the conflict as religious persecution, insisting there is no evidence of a genocide against Christians. He said both churches and mosques had been targeted by extremist groups and stressed that Nigeria remains a secular state.
‘Our democracy is not under threat’
The warning came as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, criticised calls for U.S. intervention in Nigeria made by Umar Turaki, SAN, a factional chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Turaki had urged Trump and “advanced democracies” to intervene and “save Nigeria’s democracy” following clashes between rival PDP factions in Abuja.
Responding during a courtesy visit by the South-South Development Commission, Wike said Turaki’s comments were irresponsible and dangerous.
“You are calling on Trump to come and save your democracy when you cannot obey a simple court judgment,” Wike said. “Our democracy is not under threat. You cannot keep your house in order and then blame an outsider.”
Wike added that Turaki’s allegation of a “genocide against Christians” was a serious national security concern.
“In essence, you have come out to tell the world that the government is carrying out genocide against Christians. And where are the security agencies?” he asked, saying Turaki should have been invited to provide evidence for such claims.
Nigeria rejects talk of foreign troops
The government has also pushed back strongly against Trump’s suggestion of possible U.S. military deployment. Akume insisted that Nigeria’s armed forces are “highly capable, experienced and professional,” noting that they have reclaimed territories and weakened Boko Haram and ISWAP.
Nigeria says it remains open to collaboration with the U.S. but warns that public labeling and inaccurate narratives risk fuelling extremist propaganda.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
