FG has not improved on security challenges – Atiku

By Taiwo Scholarstica

Former Vice President and 2027 African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has criticised the security approach of President Bola Tinubu, saying Nigeria is failing to adapt to the evolving tactics of terrorists and bandits.

In a statement issued by his aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said insecurity has expanded beyond its traditional strongholds in the North, spreading to other parts of the country and exposing weaknesses in the national security system. He argued that while criminal groups constantly study, refine and improve their methods after each attack, government responses remain largely unchanged and reactive.

He questioned why authorities do not apply the same learning approach, warning that Nigeria risks repeating cycles of violence due to poor adaptation. According to him, attacks across different regions—from Chibok to Oyo and several rural communities—follow a familiar pattern of tragedy, public outrage, official promises and committee reports, without lasting reform.

Atiku urged a complete review of Nigeria’s counterterrorism policy, stressing the need for intelligence-led operations, stronger border control and improved coordination among security agencies. He proposed regional fusion centres to enhance real-time intelligence sharing and called for closer collaboration with local communities.

He also highlighted poverty, unemployment and poor governance as factors fueling recruitment into extremist groups, describing insecurity as both a security and governance challenge. He recommended victim support programmes, psychosocial care and economic rehabilitation for affected communities.

Expressing concern over rising defence spending amid worsening insecurity, he said the issue reflects failure of strategy and leadership rather than resources.

Atiku urged the government to adopt proactive, locally grounded reforms capable of restoring public confidence and improving national security outcomes.