The Federal Government has disclosed that a large number of terrorists carrying out deadly attacks in northern Nigeria are not Nigerians.
According to the government, these fighters entered the country through weak and porous borders.
The revelation was made by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, during a meeting with members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria in Abuja on Sunday.
Akume said intelligence reports from security agencies show that many suspects arrested after recent attacks could not speak English or Hausa.
Instead, they communicated fluently in French, a language not commonly used in the affected communities.
“Do we speak French in Nigeria? No,” he said, stressing that this was strong evidence of foreign involvement.
He added that although Boko Haram was originally formed in Nigeria, most of the gunmen now hiding in forests and rural settlements are foreigners.
He mentioned areas in Niger State and other parts of the North-Central region as examples.
“Those who are doing the killings, most of them are from outside the country. I say what I know to be true based on security reports,” Akume stated.
The SGF described insecurity as a global challenge and not a problem limited to Nigeria alone.
He noted that even developed countries are facing similar threats.
Akume also spoke about Nigeria’s growing cooperation with international partners.
He confirmed that the government has strengthened security operations through new military equipment, including drones acquired from Turkey.
He said discussions with the United States and other allies are ongoing to boost intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism efforts.
On the issue of reintegrating repentant terrorists into the military, Akume clarified that the idea was rejected.
He said such a proposal was never implemented under the current administration of President Bola Tinubu.
He appealed to religious leaders and civil society groups to approach the security crisis with balance and understanding.
He also reminded them that the insecurity challenge existed before the present government took office.
The statement comes as attacks continue in several northern states.
Banditry and insurgent violence remain active in forest zones and farming communities across Borno, Yobe, Sokoto, Niger, and Kwara states.