Mr. Muhammad Usman-Anache, National Chairman of the Grassroots Advocacy for Peace and Good Governance (GAPAG), has called on socio-political and regional associations in Northern Nigeria to refrain from politicising the country’s security challenges.
In a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Usman-Anache expressed concern over what he described as a growing trend of regional bias in the discourse surrounding insecurity in Nigeria.
According to him, certain organisations, particularly the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) and the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), have adopted a selective approach in their assessment of the security situation across the country.
“No one can deny that the current administration inherited significant security challenges. However, recent reactions by some groups to the successful rescue of the abducted Oyo schoolchildren and teachers have reflected a regionalised perspective, as though the safety and security of citizens in other parts of the country are of lesser importance,” he stated.
Usman-Anache argued that some critics have failed to acknowledge achievements recorded in the fight against insecurity, particularly because of political considerations.
He noted that public statements issued by such groups often focus on criticism without recognising progress made or offering constructive recommendations for addressing the challenge.
“Rather than appreciating positive developments or proposing workable solutions, many of these interventions appear driven by political motives. Such an approach undermines national efforts to combat insecurity,” he said.
Highlighting previous security successes, Usman-Anache cited the rescue of the Maga schoolgirls in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, describing it as one of the most successful rescue operations in the country.
According to him, the students were rescued within two weeks following decisive intervention by the Federal Government.
“The President directed the Minister of Defence to remain in Kebbi until the girls were safely rescued. The Inspector-General of Police, Service Chiefs, and the National Security Adviser were equally instructed to work in close collaboration to ensure the operation’s success,” he noted.
He expressed disappointment that some groups had neither acknowledged nor commended the operation, suggesting that political considerations may have overshadowed objective assessment.
Usman-Anache further observed that the security challenges facing Northern Nigeria are often compounded by the involvement of local collaborators who provide support to criminal elements.
He contrasted the situation with developments in parts of the South-West, where he said rescue operations have generally faced fewer complications.
Citing comments previously made by the Governor of Katsina State, Dr. Dikko Radda, he noted that individuals from various segments of society—including traditional rulers, politicians, security personnel, youths, women, and other community members—had been arrested for alleged involvement in banditry.
“These revelations underscore the complexity of the security challenge in the North. Unfortunately, groups that readily criticise government actions have remained largely silent on the need to discourage local support for bandits and terrorists,” he said.
He maintained that the security situation in some parts of Northern Nigeria is more complex due to the level of local collaboration available to criminal groups, making direct comparisons with other regions inappropriate.
The GAPAG chairman also commended the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen national security through increased defence spending and ongoing recruitment into the armed forces.
He urged President Bola Tinubu to remain focused on implementing measures aimed at improving national security and to ignore distractions that could undermine those efforts.
Usman-Anache further paid tribute to members of the armed forces and other security agencies for their sacrifices in safeguarding lives and property across the country.
“We commend our gallant security personnel who continue to make sacrifices in the service of the nation. We also appreciate their families for their patience and support during these challenging times,” he stated.
He also acknowledged recent gains recorded in the fight against banditry and terrorism, particularly in Zamfara State, where security forces reportedly neutralised several bandits, including notorious gang leaders.
While stressing that security remains a collective responsibility, Usman-Anache called on Nigerians to reject attempts by any individual or organisation to exploit the country’s security challenges for political purposes. (NAN). Edited by Ifeoluwa Oluseye.
