Akume Links Surge in Terror Propaganda to Trump’s Remarks on Nigeria

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has raised concerns that recent public statements credited to United States President Donald Trump have inadvertently energised violent networks exploiting global narratives to justify attacks on vulnerable populations across the country.

Akume, in a statement issued on Wednesday, said extremist cells, bandit groups and other violent actors have ramped up propaganda efforts since Trump’s comments, which he described as having an “unintended but destabilising effect” on Nigeria’s security environment.

He traced the development to Trump’s October 31 remarks in which the U.S. President labelled Nigeria a “country of particular concern” over alleged genocide against Christians, and hinted that he might authorise the deployment of American troops if the killings persisted.

Trump had also disclosed that he had directed the U.S. Department of War to prepare for “possible action,” adding that Washington could suspend assistance to Nigeria if the Tinubu administration failed to curb what he termed persecution.

Akume warned that such declarations, though external, were being weaponised by violent actors internally, reinforcing extremist rhetoric and heightening security risks across affected communities.