Atiku Abubakar has faulted the Federal Government’s handling of the recent rescue of 24 schoolgirls abducted from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State, warning that their release is not an achievement but a stark reminder of Nigeria’s fragile security environment.
In a statement issued by his media office, Atiku described the development as “not a trophy moment” but a damning indictment of Nigeria’s security architecture, where terrorists now operate freely, negotiate openly, and dictate terms while the government issues press statements to save face Business Hallmark GistReel The Whistler.
His remarks came in response to comments by Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who had praised the Department of State Services (DSS) and the military for tracking the kidnappers in real time and securing the girls’ release without ransom. Onanuga argued that security operatives face constraints in acting against bandits because they hide among civilians, making direct attacks risky Business Hallmark GistReel The Whistler.
Atiku, however, maintained that the government’s narrative amounts to normalizing insecurity, stressing that the abduction itself was a failure of governance. He urged Nigerians not to be distracted by official celebrations but to demand accountability and systemic reforms that would prevent such tragedies from recurring.
“The release of abducted schoolgirls is not a victory. It is a national shame that terrorists dictate the pace of governance in Nigeria,” Atiku said.
Broader Context
Security Crisis: Nigeria has witnessed repeated mass abductions of students and worshippers, particularly in the North-West, where bandits exploit weak security presence.
Public Confidence: While the rescue of hostages brings relief, critics argue that celebrating such events trivializes the deeper failure to prevent abductions in the first place.
Political Implications: Atiku’s statement underscores opposition pressure on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to deliver more decisive and preventive security measures.
