The Federal Government on Tuesday dismissed allegations of a Christian genocide in Nigeria and rejected calls for U.S. troop deployment, warning that recent comments by former U.S. President Donald Trump were inflaming insecurity.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, in a statement, described the genocide narrative as “dangerous, false and harmful,” insisting that Nigeria’s security challenges do not amount to the systematic extermination of any religious group.

“The Nigerian Armed Forces are highly capable, experienced and professional. Nigeria does not require foreign troops,” Akume said, adding that what the country needs from its partners, particularly the United States, is targeted support in intelligence, technology and equipment.

He warned that the genocide claims were emboldening violent groups and “sharpening sectarian suspicion,” noting that no credible international body had classified Nigeria’s crisis as genocide. Akume stressed that both Christians and Muslims have been victims of Boko Haram, ISWAP and bandit groups, which attack churches and mosques without religious distinction.

According to him, Nigeria’s insecurity stems from two fronts: ideological insurgency in the North-East and economically driven banditry in the North-West, fuelled by illegal mining, kidnapping-for-ransom and competition over natural resources. He linked the rise of armed groups to weapons proliferation from Libya’s collapse in 2011.

Akume also cited recent attacks, including the June 2025 massacre in Yelewata, Benue State, saying President Bola Tinubu had ordered relief interventions and approved reconstruction funding.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s secular status, he said appointments under the Tinubu administration reflect religious and ethnic diversity, including within the National Security Council.

He urged the U.S. and other partners to avoid mischaracterising Nigeria’s crisis, saying both countries share a responsibility to strengthen democratic values and confront extremist threats. Akume also appealed for national unity, urging Nigerians to speak with “one strong and united voice” against terrorists and bandits.