The Presidency and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have traded words over Nigeria’s security situation, with both sides presenting conflicting claims on recent violence and counter-terrorism efforts.
Atiku, in a statement on Sunday, said the reported killing of 5,091 Nigerians within three months reflected a failure by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to protect lives and property. He described the government’s security record as deeply troubling and linked the situation to poor funding, fiscal mismanagement, and inadequate support for security agencies.
Citing data from SBM Intelligence, Atiku argued that the death toll highlighted the human cost of insecurity, adding that improved salaries alone would not address challenges faced by troops. He called for better funding, equipment, and welfare for security personnel, warning that continued losses could undermine public trust in government.
In response, the Presidency dismissed Atiku’s claims, accusing him of ignoring gains made by security forces. Presidential aide Temitope Ajayi said that within the same period, security agencies had killed between 13,000 and 20,000 terrorists and rescued over 10,000 Nigerians from kidnappers and insurgents.
Ajayi described Atiku’s comments as “politics of despair,” insisting that daily operations by the military, police, and intelligence agencies have significantly weakened criminal groups. He pointed to recent rescue operations, including the release of over 300 abducted persons in Niger and Kwara states, as evidence of progress.
The police also challenged Atiku’s figures, stating that available security data shows a decline in violent crime in recent months.
Despite the disagreement, both sides acknowledged ongoing security challenges. The Federal Government has highlighted recent rescue missions and pledged to strengthen intelligence gathering and early warning systems to prevent further attacks.
Atiku, who is expected to contest the 2027 presidential election, maintained that the current situation demands urgent reforms, while the Presidency expressed confidence that ongoing efforts will continue to improve security nationwide.
