The Federal Government of Nigeria has maintained that a significant number of terrorists responsible for killings across the country are foreign nationals who entered Nigeria through its porous borders.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, made the assertion on Sunday while addressing participants at the First Plenary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria held at the Catholic Secretariat in Abuja.

Akume acknowledged that insecurity remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges but stressed that the phenomenon is global and not unique to the country, noting that even advanced nations are grappling with similar threats.

He described the ongoing violence as tragic and clarified that the security crisis predates the current administration. According to him, intelligence reports have revealed that many suspects arrested in connection with recent attacks are not Nigerians.

Akume explained that several of the arrested individuals neither speak English nor fluent Hausa, but instead communicate mainly in French, a development he said further supports claims of foreign infiltration.

While noting that extremist groups such as Boko Haram originated within Nigeria, the SGF said many of the armed elements currently operating in forests and rural communities, particularly in parts of Niger State and other affected areas, are from outside the country.

He added that Nigeria’s recent designation as a Country of Particular Concern over security and religious freedom issues has intensified international cooperation, especially with the United States, in tackling terrorism.

Akume cited recent drone strikes in Sokoto as evidence that the government is actively responding to security threats, stressing that Nigeria is working closely with international partners to confront terrorism.

He further disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to Turkey was partly aimed at procuring additional military hardware, including drones and other advanced equipment, to strengthen Nigeria’s security capacity.

On the controversial issue of reintegrating former terrorists, Akume clarified that such efforts were initiated under the previous administration but faced strong resistance and were eventually discontinued. He expressed hope that any future security strategies would be approached with caution and broad consultation.

The SGF urged religious leaders and other stakeholders to assess the insecurity challenge with objectivity and a comprehensive understanding of its complexities, assuring that government actions are guided by credible security intelligence.