The Federal Government on Sunday claimed that many of the terrorists responsible for killings across Nigeria are foreign nationals who infiltrated the country through porous borders.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, made the disclosure while addressing the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria in Abuja. He acknowledged insecurity as a major challenge but stressed that the problem is global, not unique to Nigeria.
“Many of those arrested don’t speak English. They speak poor Hausa but fluent French. Do we speak French in Nigeria? No,” Akume said, citing security reports.
Akume explained that while extremist groups like Boko Haram originated locally, several attackers currently operating in forests and rural communities, particularly in Niger State, are foreigners.
He described the killings as tragic and noted that the violence predates the Tinubu administration.
He highlighted recent drone strikes in Sokoto State as evidence of active counter-terrorism efforts, adding that Nigeria is cooperating with the United States and other partners. Akume also revealed that President Tinubu’s recent visit to Turkey was partly to procure drones and advanced military hardware to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
On the controversial issue of reintegrating former terrorists, Akume clarified that attempts to absorb Boko Haram members into the military were initiated under the previous administration but resisted and eventually halted.
He urged stakeholders, including religious leaders, to approach insecurity with objectivity and a holistic understanding of its complexities.
