Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Wednesday criticised the Federal Government for celebrating the release of abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State, insisting their return should not be presented as an accomplishment but as further evidence of Nigeria’s deepening security crisis.
In a statement issued by his media office, Atiku said the development was “not a trophy moment” but “a damning reminder that terrorists now operate freely, negotiate openly, and dictate terms while this administration issues press statements to save face.”
Onanuga Defends Security Agencies’ Tactics
Atiku’s remarks followed comments by Presidential Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, during an interview on Arise News TV.
Onanuga praised the Department of State Services and the military for tracking the kidnappers in real time and establishing contact to secure the schoolgirls’ release without paying ransom.
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He said security agencies often have sufficient intelligence on bandit operations but must exercise caution to avoid civilian casualties near the criminals’ hideouts.
“They need to be very careful that in the course of chasing these bandits, they don’t go and bomb innocent Nigerians,” he said.
‘A Shameful Attempt to Whitewash Failure’
Atiku dismissed the explanation, describing it as “a shameful attempt to whitewash a national tragedy and dress up government incompetence as heroism.”
He questioned why, if the kidnappers were tracked and contacted, they were not apprehended or neutralised on the spot.
“Why is the government boasting about talking to terrorists instead of eliminating them?” he asked.
Warns Terrorists Are Becoming ‘Alternative Government’
The former vice president argued that the government’s account suggests that “terrorists and bandits have become an alternative government, negotiating, collecting ransom, and walking away untouched, while the presidency celebrates their compliance.”
He added that no responsible nation congratulates itself for negotiating with criminals it claims to have under surveillance.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
