Security systems have weakened under your administration — Atiku slams Tinubu

By Taiwo Scholarstica

Former Vice President and the 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has criticized the security approach of President Bola Tinubu, stating that Nigeria’s securoty architecture has weakened under his leadership.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said insecurity has expanded beyond its traditional strongholds in the North, spreading to other parts of the country and exposing severe 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 static and reactive.

He questioned why authorities do not apply a similar learning approach, warning that Nigeria risks repeating endless 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 yielding lasting reform.

Atiku hence called for a complete overhaul of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism policy, stressing the need for intelligence-led operations, stronger border controls, and improved coordination among security agencies.

He proposed the establishment of regional fusion centers to enhance real-time intelligence sharing and called for closer collaboration with local communities.

He also highlighted poverty, unemployment, and poor governance as the primary factors fueling recruitment into extremist groups, describing insecurity as both a security and a governance challenge.

The former vice president also tecommended robust victim support programs, psychosocial care, and economic rehabilitation for affected communities.

Expressing concern over rising defense spending amid worsening insecurity, Atiku said the issue reflects a failure of strategy and leadership rather than a lack of resources.

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