Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the federal government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for framing the release of abducted Nigerians as a success, arguing that such events highlight the country’s deteriorating security situation rather than an achievement.
Atiku’s comments, delivered through his spokesperson Paul Ibe, came shortly after the presidency announced the liberation of schoolgirls abducted in Kebbi State last Monday. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga had stated that the girls, alongside students freed in Niger State and about 38 worshippers from Kwara State, were released without ransom payments.
Ibe’s statement read:
“Under Tinubu, terrorists and bandits have effectively become an alternative government — kidnapping, negotiating, collecting ransom, and escaping unpunished — while the presidency applauds their so-called ‘compliance’.”
He continued:
“No responsible nation praises itself for negotiating with criminals under its surveillance. No competent government commends the escape of abductors who can strike again. Statements like Onanuga’s insult Nigerians with propaganda.”
The former vice president further warned that if security agencies truly had tracked the kidnappers in real time, letting them go without arrest or neutralisation reflects either gross incompetence or complicity.
“The release of abducted Nigerians is not a victory; it is proof that terrorists operate openly, dictate terms, and remain unchecked, while this administration issues press releases to protect its image,” Ibe added.
He questioned why the government was “boasting about communicating with kidnappers instead of stopping them,” asking, “Why is kidnapping now reduced to routine phone calls between criminals and state officials?”
The Kebbi State abduction occurred on November 17, when armed men stormed the Government Girls’ Secondary School in Maga, killing a staff member and abducting 25 students. One student escaped, leaving 24 in captivity until their release on Tuesday.
President Tinubu, via Onanuga, welcomed the release, expressing relief that all the girls were accounted for, and urged security agencies to intensify operations and prioritise the rescue of other abducted citizens nationwide.
