(DDM) – The Federal Government has declared that a significant number of terrorists behind deadly attacks in northern Nigeria are not Nigerian citizens.
The disclosure was made during a high-level meeting in Abuja by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
Akume addressed members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, stating that intelligence reports indicate a disturbing foreign dimension to the violence.
He said many suspects arrested after recent attacks were unable to speak either English or Hausa.
According to him, several detainees communicated fluently in French, a language not commonly spoken in the affected northern communities.
“Do we speak French in Nigeria? No,” Akume reportedly said, pointing to what he described as strong evidence of foreign infiltration.
He explained that while Boko Haram originated in Nigeria, the majority of fighters currently operating in forests and rural hideouts are believed to be foreigners.
The SGF identified parts of Niger State and the broader North-Central region as areas experiencing infiltration by non-Nigerian armed elements.
Akume emphasized that his comments were based on briefings and intelligence supplied by security agencies.
He maintained that porous and weak border controls have enabled the influx of foreign fighters into Nigeria.
Nigeria shares extensive land borders with several West African countries, making cross-border monitoring a persistent challenge.
The statement comes amid renewed concerns over escalating banditry and insurgent attacks in northern states.
Communities in Borno, Yobe, Sokoto, Niger, and Kwara states continue to report assaults on villages and farming settlements.
Akume described insecurity as a global phenomenon rather than a crisis unique to Nigeria.
He noted that even developed countries are grappling with terrorism and violent extremism.
The SGF also highlighted Nigeria’s growing collaboration with international partners in strengthening national security.
He confirmed that the government has acquired advanced military equipment, including drones from Turkey, to enhance surveillance and counter-terrorism operations.
He added that discussions with the United States and other allies are ongoing to improve intelligence sharing.
On the controversial issue of reintegrating repentant terrorists into the armed forces, Akume clarified that such a proposal was rejected.
He stated that no such policy has been implemented under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
The SGF appealed to religious leaders and civil society groups to approach the security crisis with balance and understanding.
He reminded stakeholders that the roots of the insecurity predate the current administration.
Observers note that Nigeria’s security crisis has evolved over the years, shifting from ideological insurgency to a mix of banditry, kidnapping, and cross-border armed activity.
Security experts argue that addressing porous borders and improving regional cooperation will be critical to reversing the trend.
As attacks persist across forest zones and rural communities, the government faces mounting pressure to translate intelligence assessments into tangible security improvements on the ground.
