Insecurity: Nigerian Government’s Efforts Yielding Results – Youth Foundation

By Hauwa Ismail Ibrahim Kaduna

The Youth Reformation and Leadership Skills Development Foundation has rejected Amnesty International’s report on insecurity in Nigeria, describing it as “unbalanced” and “lacking in objectivity.”

The foundation’s Director-General, Comrade Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu, questioned the methodology used by Amnesty International to arrive at the figure of 10,217 killings in President Bola Tinubu’s two-year government, saying it lacked credible data and empirical evidence.

Dr Awwal highlighted the notable successes recorded by the Nigerian Army, under the leadership of Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, in tackling insecurity across the country with support from Honorable Minister of Defense Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, Minister of State defence Dr Bello Matawalle and Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher G Musa.

He said, “Between May 2023 and February 2025, the army neutralized 13,543 terrorists and criminals, arrested 17,469 individuals, and rescued 9,821 hostages. Additionally, 124,408 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist combatant fighters and their families surrendered during this period.

The foundation emphasized the mechanisms put in place by President Tinubu’s administration to address insecurity, including the establishment of a National Security Council and the deployment of troops to affected areas.

Comrade Aliyu assured that security agencies are working together to address the security challenges facing the country, with the military, police, and other security agencies collaborating to tackle Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping for ransom.

The foundation emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of insecurity, including poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to education and healthcare. Aliyu said the government is working to address these issues through various initiatives.

Comrade Awwal highlighted the government’s efforts in tackling Boko Haram insurgency in the North East, saying the military has made significant gains in recent years. He cited the successful operations against Boko Haram terrorists and the liberation of several communities.

The foundation emphasized the government’s efforts in tackling banditry and kidnapping for ransom in North Western Nigeria, saying security agencies are working to disrupt the activities of bandits and kidnappers.

The director general, who is also a security analyst, highlighted the government’s efforts in addressing farmer-herder conflicts, saying initiatives are in place to promote dialogue and cooperation between farmers and herders across the affected areas.

Aliyu reiterated President Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians, saying his administration will continue to work tirelessly to address the security challenges facing the country.

The foundation highlighted the role of the Defence Minister, Minister of State, NSA, CDS, COAS, CAS, CNS overseeing the country’s defence sector, saying they have been instrumental in coordinating the efforts of security agencies.

Comrade Aliyu praised the efforts of the Service Chiefs, including the Army, Air Force, and Navy, saying they have been working tirelessly to address the security challenges facing the country.

He therefore called on Amnesty International, to appreciate the contributions of the Nigeria security agencies and come clean and unbeas with successes so far achieved by the Nigerian Armed Forces in the fight against insecurity, not just fault finding

The Youth Foundation called on Amnesty International to be more objective in its reporting, saying this would help to promote a better understanding of the security challenges facing Nigeria. Aliyu assured that the government will continue to work towards ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians.