The Federal Government, through Special Adviser on Policy Communication Daniel Bwala, boldly claimed this week that the administration of President Bola Tinubu has significantly degraded insecurity across Nigeria.
Bwala insisted on Wednesday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today that Nigeria’s security situation has improved and that what remains are isolated criminal tendencies seen globally, not a failure of governance.
Degraded Insecurity or Persistent Crisis
Bwala said, “Insecurity has been degraded to a large extent.”
He emphasized that President Tinubu fulfilled his promise on national security, the government’s fundamental responsibility.
Citing improvements in areas like Benue and Plateau states, he argued that conditions have notably reduced compared to recent years.
He further mentioned ongoing challenges with groups such as IPOB (Indigenous People of Biafra) and unknown gunmen, but dismissed these as criminal acts detached from government performance.
“What we are seeing are criminal tendencies that have no core relationship with whether somebody is governing well or not, because they exist in every part of this world,” Bwala asserted.
Contradictory Grounds: Security Data Paints a Bleak Picture
Contrary to the presidency’s optimistic narrative, security reports tell a grimmer story.
Data from Beacon Consulting indicate that Northern Nigeria alone accounted for about 79% of insecurity incidents between January and April 2025.
These incidents include terrorism, kidnappings, banditry, and communal conflicts.
Over 4,000 Nigerians have been killed and more than 3,500 kidnapped during this brief period, highlighting the scale of violence.
The North West and North East remain hotbeds of insecurity, with terror and bandit attacks ongoing despite military efforts.
The South East, often referenced by Bwala regarding IPOB violence, shows lower incidents but still faces serious threats from armed groups and kidnappings.
Such figures challenge the claim that insecurity has been “degraded” to a large extent when tens of thousands across Nigeria live under constant threat.
Is Security Improvement Genuine or Political Rhetoric
The presidential aide’s remarks heavily lean on portraying insecurity as uncontrollable criminal tendencies, ignoring deeper systemic failures.
Critics argue this narrative conveniently absolves the government of responsibility for deteriorating conditions in many regions.
Nigeria’s insecurity crisis is complex, with intertwined terrorism, insurgency, herder-farmer clashes, banditry, and ethnically charged violence.
These issues call for strategic governance and accountability rather than dismissive rhetoric.
Economic Claims Amid Security Concerns
Daniel Bwala also declared Nigeria is on a path to economic recovery.
He claimed governors enjoy a new “oil boom” era thanks to improved federal revenue under Tinubu.
However, economic progress rarely translates to tangible relief for citizens affected by insecurity.
Food insecurity, displacement, and poverty remain rampant in the same areas plagued by violence.
Opposition Coalition Condemned as Political Marginal
On the political front, Bwala dismissed the opposition coalition as a non-threat, accusing its leaders of forcibly taking over the African Democratic Congress (ADC) due to lacking their own platform.
This verbal attack reflects the wider polarisation in Nigeria’s political landscape, overshadowing the urgent need for unified national security strategies.
What Nigerians See: Reality vs. Spin
Despite optimistic government statements, many Nigerians live daily with fear and uncertainty.
Schools close due to threats, rural communities flee violence, and kidnappings make headlines regularly.
The militarization of certain regions continues as a stop-gap rather than a permanent security solution.
Public trust in official security claims has eroded, fueling frustration and skepticism over the effectiveness of current policies.
Call for Accountability and Transparent Security Reporting
The administration’s boast clashes with independent data and lived realities.
Nigerians are calling for honest assessments, transparent security reports, and effective community-based solutions instead of political spin.
Without admitting failures or addressing root causes, any claim of “degraded insecurity” risks being dismissed as propaganda.
A Nation at Crossroads of Security and Governance
The presidency’s claim of significant progress against Nigeria’s insecurity is heavily contested.
While acknowledging persistent criminal acts globally, reducing Nigeria’s complex security challenges to mere “criminal tendencies” overlooks the depth of the crisis.
As violence, kidnappings, and terror attacks continue, citizens demand real answers and leadership beyond rhetoric.
The government must align its statements with on-ground realities to regain credibility and effectively address one of Nigeria’s most pressing issues its fractured security environment.
