The persistent wave of insecurity across Nigeria is reportedly taking a toll on President Bola Tinubu, with a senior aide revealing that the situation has led to "sleepless nights" for the Commander-in-Chief.
Abdullahi Yakasai, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North-West), shared these insights during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief this Tuesday. Yakasai emphasized that the President is deeply invested in finding solutions, frequently convening the Security Council at the Presidential Villa to address the evolving threats.
Shifting Tactics and New Hotspots
While Yakasai noted that security forces have managed to stabilize some formerly volatile areas, he warned that criminal elements are adopting new strategies.
• Guerrilla Warfare: Insurgents and bandits have transitioned to hit-and-run tactics, making them harder to track and eliminate.
• New Fronts: Violence has recently spiked in regions like Kwara and Niger State, shifting away from previous flashpoints.
• Progress Reports: The aide highlighted the Abuja-Kaduna corridor and parts of Zamfara as areas where security has shown signs of improvement.
Allegations of Sabotage
In a candid assessment, Yakasai suggested that the current surge in violence might not be purely organic. He hinted at the presence of "elements" working behind the scenes to undermine the current administration.
"There is a hand in this kind of insecurity... Some elements are against this government and are instigating insecurity to give the new administration a bad name," Yakasai stated.
A Call for Collective Action
Despite the gravity of the situation, the presidential aide remains hopeful. He pointed to the immediate deployment of the Inspector-General of Police to troubled areas in Kwara State as evidence of the government's proactive stance. Yakasai concluded by asserting that while the road ahead is challenging, a unified effort from all stakeholders would eventually see the decline and total elimination of these security threats.
