Atiku knocks Tinubu over insecurity as military claims 175 terrorists killed

Atiku Abubakar, former vice president has condemned the abduction of school children in Oyo State and the continued killings in Katsina State, describing the incidents as further proof of a worsening security crisis and what he called a failure of leadership under President Bola Tinubu.

He accused the Federal Government of offering “empty statements” while violent attacks continue across the country, urging authorities to immediately rescue the abducted victims and undertake a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture.

In a strongly worded statement, Atiku said the repeated attacks on schools, communities and vulnerable citizens showed that criminal groups and terrorists now operate with little or no fear of consequences.

He warned that attempts to suppress or downplay evidence of atrocities committed by armed groups would only deepen public distrust and embolden perpetrators.

According to him, the persistent insecurity has exposed serious weaknesses in intelligence gathering, rapid response operations and the overall coordination of security agencies.

The former vice president said the latest incidents in Oyo and Katsina reflected a broader national emergency that requires decisive leadership rather than routine assurances.

He stressed that Nigerians were becoming increasingly unsafe in schools, farms and highways, adding that citizens were losing confidence in the government’s ability to protect lives and property.

Atiku also called on security agencies to intensify rescue efforts for the abducted schoolchildren and ensure that those responsible for the attacks are brought to justice.

His criticism came amid renewed concerns over rising incidents of kidnapping and banditry in several parts of the country, particularly in northern states where attacks on rural communities have continued despite repeated military operations.

Security analysts have repeatedly warned that attacks on educational institutions could discourage school attendance and worsen the already high number of out-of-school children in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters announced significant gains in ongoing counterterrorism operations in the North-East, disclosing that joint Nigeria–United States airstrikes against ISIS/ISWAP fighters had killed about 175 terrorists, including several senior commanders.

According to military authorities, the coordinated operations targeted insurgent enclaves, logistics routes and financial support structures used by the terrorist groups.

The Defence Headquarters stated that the strikes dealt a major blow to the operational capacity of ISIS/ISWAP fighters by destroying weapons storage facilities, supply channels and strategic hideouts.

Military officials said the operations formed part of intensified efforts to weaken insurgent networks and prevent future attacks on civilian communities and security formations in the region.

The military also moved to calm fears over reports of terrorist expansion into the South-West, insisting that there is no permanent terrorist base in the region.

Defence authorities described recent attacks and criminal incidents in some South-West states as isolated cases carried out by criminal gangs rather than organised terrorist cells.

They maintained that security forces remain on alert and are actively conducting rescue operations in Oyo State following the abduction of the schoolchildren.

Despite the military’s assurances, concerns over insecurity remain high across the country as citizens continue to demand stronger protection measures and faster responses to attacks.

The latest exchange between Atiku and the Federal Government further highlights how insecurity is expected to remain a dominant national issue ahead of future political contests and policy debates.