The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, issued a statement. He tackled some of the key security issues facing Nigeria. violent extremism, Boko Haram, ISIS, ISWAP insurgency, North-West banditry, economic drivers, illegal mining, humanitarian impact, and claims of “Christian genocide.”
Evolution of Violent Extremism
Akume has traced the roots of Nigeria’s challenges from two fronts, the first being the North-East insurgency that, though originating in 2002 as a local movement, drew from Al-Qaeda and later ISIS, developing into Boko Haram and ISWAP. Also informing the situation is the 2011 uprisings in Libya and Egypt, which promoted weapons proliferation through AQIM routes.
Moreover legal gaps before 2010 hampered responses. In addition, the government created the Terrorism Prevention Act in 2011 to increase the effectiveness of counter terrorism.
Boko Haram and ISWAP Insurgency
Boko Haram was constituted in 2002 by Mohammed Yusuf. It became radicalized after his death in 2009. Under Abubakar Shekau, the group then carried out attacks such as the 2011 UN bombing and the 2014 Chibok abductions. In 2015, it pledged allegiance to ISIS and became ISWAP, but a 2016 split restructured it for cross-border operations.
North-West Banditry and Economic Drivers
Banditry, which was driven by economic factors, such as grazing disputes and cattle rustling and illegal mining in states like Zamfara, emerged in 2018. Kidnapping for ransom also thrives as an industry. In addition, desertification worsens resource competition.
Illegal Mining and Humanitarian Impact
Illegal mining funds arms and sustains banditry, for instance, gold extraction in the North-West feeds criminal networks. On humanitarian effects, the June 2025 Yelewata attack left more than a hundred people dead and thousands displaced. The government responded with relief and reconstruction funds.
Clarification of “Christian Genocide” Claims SGF refuted the allegation of Christian genocide. No international body has christened it so. Insurgents do not discriminate between faiths in their attacks.
Such narratives embolden the extremists and damage relationships, especially with the U.S. To conclude his presentation, Akume urged unity and collaboration on an international scale to whip up threats.
