A Critique of Nigeria’s Current Security Challenges
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has raised concerns about the current administration’s approach to Nigeria’s security challenges. In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, he highlighted what he perceives as a lack of commitment from President Bola Tinubu’s government in addressing the country’s worsening security situation.
Lawal, who served under the late President Muhammadu Buhari, argued that previous administrations, including those of Goodluck Jonathan and Buhari himself, were more effective in ensuring national security and fairness. He emphasized that these governments had a stronger focus on equity, corruption reduction, and justice.
“Past governments were better, more accommodating,” Lawal said. “They served Nigerians better in the sense of equity, intention to fight corruption, and being fair and just. Even in the sense of insecurity, Goodluck Jonathan fought insecurity. Buhari took over and did; this government is not interested in that.”
The Deterioration of Security in Adamawa State
Lawal also pointed out that before Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, his home state of Adamawa in the North-East was relatively peaceful. However, he noted that the security situation has worsened significantly over the past two years under the current administration.
He criticized the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, for not showing any tangible efforts to address the rising threats and killings across the country. Lawal expressed frustration with the lack of visible progress, stating:
“I don’t see what work he [Ribadu] is doing. If I see what work he is doing, I will tell you. If I see results of what they are doing, I will say it. It won’t hurt me.”
The Struggles of Nigerian Soldiers
Lawal shared personal insights into the challenges faced by Nigerian soldiers. He mentioned that many soldiers from his community have lost their lives in the line of duty, often due to inadequate equipment and support. He described the disparity between the weapons used by soldiers and those possessed by their enemies:
“When you send the soldier into the battle with an old, antiquated rifle that can only hold 20 ammunition and is facing an enemy that has one kilometre of bullets, you shoot one, it jams.”
This statement underscores the systemic failures that continue to plague the security forces.
Defending the Previous Administration
When asked why he did not address the issue while in office, Lawal defended the Buhari administration, stating that it made better provisions for security forces. He claimed that during his time, there were better arms procured, and the leadership understood the issues at hand.
“Our time was better, better arms were procured. We had this advantage that our own was a soldier. Our Head of State understood the issues and he did well. Maybe he [Tinubu] is not interested,” he added.
The Need for Change
Lawal’s critique highlights the growing concern among some former officials about the direction of the current administration. His comments reflect a broader sentiment that the government needs to take more decisive action to address the security crisis.
As the nation grapples with increasing threats, the call for accountability and improved strategies becomes more urgent. The experiences and insights of individuals like Lawal provide valuable perspectives on the challenges and potential solutions for Nigeria’s security landscape.