Laolu Akande, a former presidential spokesperson, has issued a stark warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling for decisive action against security and military chiefs who fail to deliver on their mandates. Akande emphasized that continued underperformance by the nation’s security apparatus is severely undermining public confidence and threatening national security, urging the President to impose immediate consequences, including dismissal, for non-performing officials.
Speaking during the "My Take" segment of Channels Television’s "Inside Sources with Laolu Akande" program on Sunday, Akande acknowledged President Tinubu’s vision and some of his administration’s policy strides. However, he stressed that the alarming escalation of violence across the country now overshadows these positive efforts, creating a palpable fear among the populace. "But who will tell Mr. President that the problem with some of the good narratives above is that insecurity makes a nonsense of all of them… when blood is being spilled in too many places, there’s a palpable fear in the country," Akande lamented, highlighting the profound disconnect between policy aspirations and the lived reality of insecurity.
The Bedrock of Governance: Justice and Security
Akande passionately argued that justice and security must form the unshakeable foundation of effective governance. He reiterated a fundamental principle: "That is why people say justice is the first condition of humanity and justice must be at the very heart of governance." This assertion underscores the idea that without a secure environment where justice is perceived to be served, all other governmental initiatives, however well-intentioned, risk becoming meaningless to a populace grappling with daily threats to life and property. The erosion of public trust stemming from rampant insecurity not only cripples economic activity but also fosters a deep sense of despair and alienation from the state.
Nigeria, a nation of over 200 million people, has been grappling with multifaceted security challenges for over a decade. From the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East, which morphed into the more sophisticated Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), to the widespread banditry, kidnapping, and farmer-herder clashes plaguing the North-West and North-Central regions, the country has become a hotbed of non-state armed groups. President Tinubu, who took office in May 2023, campaigned on a promise to tackle these issues head-on, inheriting a security landscape characterized by deep-seated challenges and an often-overstretched military. His administration made early moves, including appointing new service chiefs, signaling a renewed commitment to security. However, Akande’s recent intervention suggests that these changes have yet to translate into the desired improvements on the ground.
A Grim Security Landscape: Rising Attacks and Casualties
Akande painted a particularly grim picture of the current security landscape, citing a disturbing resurgence and escalation of attacks across multiple states. He specifically referenced Borno, Benue, Plateau, Niger, and Kaduna as areas where violence has intensified, challenging the notion of progress.
One of the most alarming incidents he highlighted was the deadly assault on a military base in Benisheikh, Borno State. This attack reportedly resulted in the tragic death of senior officers, including Brigadier General Oseni Braimo, and the destruction of significant military assets. Such an incident, targeting a military installation and high-ranking personnel, signifies a dangerous level of audacity and capability on the part of the insurgents. It raises serious questions about intelligence gathering, operational readiness, and defensive capabilities.
Further underscoring the precarious situation, Akande pointed to the killing of three commanding officers in separate incidents within a single week in March. This pattern, he described, as a "troubling pattern of targeted attacks on military leadership," suggesting a deliberate strategy by non-state actors to decapitate the military’s command structure and demoralize troops. Such targeted assaults not only deplete experienced leadership but also send a chilling message about the extent of the security threats.
"Who will tell the President that the number of killings this year alone is alarming… there is a lot of blood and tears and destruction all over the place," Akande stated, conveying the overwhelming human cost of the ongoing violence. While acknowledging the bravery and sacrifice of fallen soldiers, Akande insisted that the sheer scale and frequency of these attacks demand urgent and unwavering attention from the highest echelons of government. The nation’s collective grief for its heroes must be matched by decisive action to prevent further loss.
Beyond Insurgency: The Resurgence of Banditry
Beyond the persistent insurgency in the North-East, Akande also drew attention to the renewed and deadly wave of banditry in other parts of the country. He cited particularly brutal raids in Niger and Plateau states, questioning the effectiveness of prior assurances by the President that such attacks would be curtailed. Banditry, characterized by mass kidnappings for ransom, village raids, and destruction of livelihoods, has evolved into a highly lucrative criminal enterprise, further complicating Nigeria’s security matrix. The economic impact is devastating, displacing communities, disrupting agriculture, and stifling regional trade.
The resurgence of banditry in areas like Niger State, which borders the Federal Capital Territory, creates a direct threat to the nation’s political and economic heartland. Similarly, the persistent farmer-herder clashes and banditry in Plateau State have led to horrific massacres, fueling ethnic and religious tensions and exacerbating humanitarian crises.
Systemic Failures: Intelligence Gaps and Coordination Deficiencies
A critical element of Akande’s critique centered on systemic failures within the security architecture, specifically highlighting intelligence failures and poor coordination. He referenced claims made by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, who reportedly stated that authorities had prior intelligence about the Benisheikh attack but failed to act on it. "So we knew that this was going to happen, did nothing about it," Akande stated, articulating the frustration and outrage that such a lapse evokes. This kind of failure, if confirmed, points to a severe breakdown in intelligence sharing, analysis, or operational response, leaving military personnel vulnerable.
Akande further referenced earlier concerns raised by Senator Nasir Idris from Kogi State regarding the unexplained withdrawal of troops shortly before an attack in his state. He described both incidents as compelling evidence of systemic coordination failures that plague the security agencies. Such internal disarray, where different arms of the security forces appear to operate in silos or with conflicting directives, significantly hampers their collective effectiveness against agile and adaptive non-state actors. The lack of a unified command and control structure, or the inability to execute it effectively, can render even well-equipped forces vulnerable.
The President’s Imperative: Stronger Leadership and Accountability
According to Akande, President Tinubu must urgently address these critical gaps through stronger leadership and an uncompromising commitment to accountability. His message was direct and unequivocal: "Who will tell the President that he can no longer ignore the dangerous trend of lack of coordination in his government? The President must impose consequences because he is the Commander-in-Chief. If a security or military service chief cannot deliver, Mr. President, please send them packing."
This call for accountability resonates deeply with public sentiment, which often perceives a lack of consequences for underperformance within the security establishment. As Commander-in-Chief, the President holds the ultimate authority and responsibility for the nation’s security. Akande’s challenge is for him to wield this authority decisively.
Furthermore, Akande reminded President Tinubu of his past criticism of former President Goodluck Jonathan over similar security challenges during his tenure. This historical parallel serves as a powerful reminder that the current situation presents a moment of reckoning for Tinubu. Having once been a vocal critic, the onus is now on him to demonstrate superior leadership and strategic acumen in tackling the very issues he once chastised a predecessor for failing to resolve. The political implications of not addressing the security crisis effectively could be severe, eroding public trust and undermining the administration’s broader reform agenda.
Broader Implications and the Path Forward
The implications of sustained insecurity in Nigeria are far-reaching, impacting every facet of national life. Economically, it deters foreign investment, disrupts supply chains, inflates food prices due to attacks on farmers, and forces businesses to allocate significant resources to security. Socially, it fragments communities, fuels internal displacement, exacerbates humanitarian crises, and contributes to a growing sense of hopelessness among the youth. Politically, it strains inter-governmental relations, challenges the legitimacy of the state, and could potentially destabilize democratic institutions if left unchecked.
The urgent need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach cannot be overstated. This would involve not only robust military operations but also enhanced intelligence gathering, improved inter-agency cooperation, community engagement, addressing root causes of conflict such as poverty and marginalization, and ensuring swift justice for perpetrators. Furthermore, reforms within the security forces themselves, focusing on training, welfare, equipment, and accountability, are paramount.
Akande’s impassioned plea serves as a critical barometer of public sentiment and a direct challenge to the Tinubu administration. It underscores that while economic reforms and policy adjustments are vital, the fundamental responsibility of any government is to guarantee the safety and security of its citizens. Without this basic assurance, the foundation for national progress remains fragile, and the promise of a more prosperous Nigeria risks being perpetually deferred by the shadow of insecurity. The coming months will undoubtedly test President Tinubu’s resolve and leadership as he navigates these complex and deeply entrenched challenges.
