A former Deputy National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Timi Frank, has called on the United States government to suspend intelligence sharing and security cooperation with Nigeria following recent comments attributed to Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi regarding banditry and terrorism.
Frank made the call in a statement on Tuesday while reacting to remarks credited to Gumi suggesting that Nigerian authorities may be aware of the identities and locations of bandits operating in parts of the country.
During an interview with DRTV, Gumi reportedly said that dialogue could help address the violence in northern Nigeria. He also stated that his engagements with bandit groups were not carried out alone but involved security agencies.
Reacting to the claims, Frank said Nigerians deserve a clear explanation if authorities truly know the identities and hideouts of bandits responsible for attacks across the country.
According to him, the continued rise in kidnappings and killings has heightened public concern over the worsening security situation.
“If it is true that the government knows the names of these bandits, knows where they are located and even knows their camps, then Nigerians deserve to know why decisive action has not been taken,” Frank said.
He added that insecurity across the country has continued to escalate despite ongoing military operations.
“Kidnappings have increased. Killings have escalated. Insecurity has worsened across the country. If a government truly knows the identities and locations of terrorists and bandits yet fails to act decisively, then that raises serious concerns,” he said.
The former APC chieftain also urged the United States to exercise caution in its security cooperation with the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in the area of intelligence sharing.
“I am calling on the United States government to be very careful in its dealings with the current Nigerian administration. The U.S. should suspend intelligence sharing and security cooperation with the Nigerian government and its security chiefs,” he said.
Frank further noted that despite the support Nigeria has received from international partners in the fight against insurgency and banditry, Nigerian soldiers continue to face significant risks on the battlefield.
“Today, Nigerian soldiers are dying in large numbers despite the equipment and support provided by the United States and other countries. With the level of support Nigeria has received, the war against insecurity should have made significant progress,” he said.
He also appealed directly to Donald Trump to take a firm stance against terrorist groups operating in Nigeria.
“We are appealing directly to President Donald Trump to take a strong and decisive stand. If the United States truly wants to help Nigeria defeat terrorism and make the country great again, it should be prepared to act firmly against the terrorists responsible for the violence,” Frank stated.
Frank added that the United States could also play a role in strengthening democratic institutions in Nigeria.
“If the United States truly wants to assist Nigeria, it should help ensure peace, security and credible democratic processes. That is how Nigeria can move forward and become stable and prosperous again,” he said.
He also urged the United States Congress to pay closer attention to developments in Nigeria, particularly issues relating to security and democratic governance.
