FG Rejects U.S. “Country of Particular Concern” Label, Says Genocide Claims Are False and Dangerous

The Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly rejected the United States’ recent designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) over alleged violations of religious freedom, describing the move as misleading, unjustified, and capable of inciting unnecessary tensions.

In a detailed statement on Wednesday, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator (Dr.) George Akume, dismissed claims of a so-called “Christian genocide,” insisting that the security challenges facing the nation affect both Muslims and Christians equally. He emphasised that Nigeria’s crisis is rooted not in religion, but in a complex mix of economic, ideological, and geopolitical factors.

Security Crisis Driven by Geopolitics, Weapons Flow, and Criminality

Senator Akume outlined the two major fronts of Nigeria’s insecurity:

1.     Ideological Insurgency in the North-East – driven by Boko Haram and ISWAP.

2.     Criminal Banditry in the North-West – motivated by economic gains rather than religious divisions.

He explained that the collapse of Libya in 2011 triggered a dangerous spread of arms across the Sahel. Al-Qaeda-linked networks trafficked weapons into West Africa, fueling insurgency and later empowering armed bandit groups in Nigeria.

According to him, the North-West crisis is “purely economic,” driven by cattle rustling, competition for grazing routes, illegal gold mining, kidnapping-for-ransom, and widespread extortion—not religion.

FG: “No Evidence of Christian Genocide”

The SGF firmly rejected the genocide narrative, clarifying that no credible global watchdog or institution has ever classified Nigeria’s conflicts as genocide against any religious group.

He warned that such misrepresentation:

• inflames religious tensions,
• emboldens extremist elements,
• and undermines Nigeria’s diplomatic and security partnerships.

Government Highlights Security Gains

Senator Akume reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s determination to restore national security, noting significant achievements since assuming office:

• Over 13,500 terrorists neutralised
• More than 17,000 suspects arrested
• Over 9,800 victims rescued
• Ongoing prosecution of high-profile terror leaders, including key figures of the Al-Qaeda-linked ANSARU group arrested in July

He stressed that Nigeria does not need foreign troops on its soil but welcomes strengthened international cooperation in intelligence, technology, and equipment to combat terrorism.

Call for National Unity

The SGF concluded with a passionate appeal to all Nigerians—across ethnic, religious, and political lines—to unite against the real enemies: terrorism, banditry, extremism, and the criminal networks destabilizing the nation.