The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has clarified that the widespread killings and displacement in Nigeria’s North-West are driven by economic interests, not religion, dismissing claims of a coordinated genocide against Christians.
In a detailed statement on Wednesday, Akume stressed that both Muslims and Christians have suffered equally from insurgents, bandits, and other violent groups across the country.
He explained that Nigeria’s insecurity follows two main patterns: the ideological insurgency in the North-East led by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and profit-driven banditry in the North-West.
“Banditry in the North-West, which escalated from 2018, is fuelled by economic pressures such as cattle rustling, illegal mining, kidnapping-for-ransom, extortion, and competition for land and water resources intensified by desertification—not religious extremism,” he said.
Akume noted that no credible international institution has classified Nigeria’s crisis as genocide against any group. He linked the rise of Boko Haram and ISWAP to the destabilisation following the 2011 collapse of Libya and instability in Egypt, which allowed Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) to supply looted weapons and extremist ideology to West Africa.
Recalling the June 2025 attack on Yelewata in Benue State, where dozens were killed and thousands displaced, Akume said President Bola Tinubu immediately dispatched relief materials and later visited victims in hospital. The President has also approved a full census of destroyed properties and funds for reconstruction.
Akume emphasised that Nigeria’s Armed Forces are experienced and competent, having reclaimed vast territories from insurgents. He said the country requires intelligence cooperation, technology, and military equipment from partners like the United States—not foreign troops.
He warned that mischaracterising the conflict as genocide fuels religious tension, emboldens extremist factions, and undermines security partnerships.
“As the largest democracies in Africa and the world, Nigeria and the United States share a responsibility to promote global stability and confront extremist threats,” he said, urging Nigerians to unite against a common enemy.
“Terrorists, bandits, and extremist insurgents must be completely eradicated from our national borders,” Akume added.
