In a scathing critique of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has voiced the frustrations of millions of Nigerians, accusing the government of making empty promises on security while the nation continues to grapple with relentless terrorist attacks and escalating violence. The statement comes in the wake of a devastating assault by suspected Boko Haram insurgents in Garkida, a community in Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State, which left residents reeling and underscored the persistent failure to address Nigeria’s deepening security crisis.
The attack in Garkida, which occurred recently, is a grim reminder of the ongoing insurgency that has plagued Nigeria’s Northeast for over a decade. According to reports, armed insurgents stormed the community, unleashing chaos, killing innocent civilians, and destroying property worth millions of naira. The assault has reignited public outrage, with many Nigerians questioning the federal government’s repeated assurances that it is winning the war against terrorism and criminality. Atiku’s remarks, shared via a statement on his verified social media platforms, reflect a growing sentiment that the Tinubu administration’s rhetoric on security lacks substance and has failed to translate into meaningful action.
A Nation Under Siege: The Garkida Attack and Its Aftermath
The attack in Garkida was not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of violence that has left Nigeria’s Northeast vulnerable and its citizens living in fear. Garkida, a predominantly Christian community, has been a recurring target for Boko Haram and its splinter factions, who have exploited the region’s porous borders and inadequate security presence to carry out their deadly operations. Eyewitnesses described scenes of horror as gunmen, armed with sophisticated weapons, stormed the town under the cover of darkness, firing indiscriminately and setting buildings ablaze.
Local sources reported that the attackers targeted homes, schools, and places of worship, leaving a trail of destruction. Several residents were killed, though exact casualty figures remain unconfirmed due to the chaotic nature of the attack and the challenges faced by security forces in accessing the area. The assault also displaced hundreds of families, many of whom fled into the surrounding bush or sought refuge in neighboring communities. The economic toll was equally devastating, with markets, shops, and farmlands razed, further exacerbating the region’s already dire humanitarian crisis.
The Garkida attack is a stark illustration of the persistent threat posed by Boko Haram, despite claims by the federal government that the group has been “technically defeated.” Since the insurgency began in 2009, it has claimed tens of thousands of lives, displaced millions, and destabilized large swathes of Nigeria’s Northeast. The emergence of factions such as the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has further complicated the security landscape, with these groups demonstrating resilience and adaptability in their operations.
Atiku’s Critique: A Voice for a Frustrated Nation
Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, did not mince words in his condemnation of the Tinubu administration’s handling of the security crisis. In his statement, he described the Garkida attack as a “sad and troubling development” that exposed the government’s inability to protect its citizens. “Nigerians are tired of the empty claims and promises of the Tinubu government on security,” Atiku said. “Each attack is a painful reminder of the failure of leadership and the absence of a coherent strategy to end this cycle of violence.”
Atiku’s remarks resonate with a broad cross-section of Nigerians who have grown weary of the government’s assurances in the face of mounting insecurity. From the Northeast, where Boko Haram and ISWAP continue to wreak havoc, to the Northwest, where banditry and kidnapping have become rampant, and the Southeast, where separatist agitations have fueled unrest, the country is grappling with a multifaceted security crisis that shows no signs of abating. The former vice president called for urgent action, urging the government to prioritize the safety of Nigerians over political rhetoric and to address the root causes of insecurity, including poverty, unemployment, and weak governance.
Atiku’s statement also highlighted the human cost of the ongoing violence, emphasizing the need for empathy and accountability. “The people of Garkida, like millions of Nigerians, deserve to live in peace and security,” he said. “The government must move beyond platitudes and take decisive steps to end this nightmare.” His comments have sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many Nigerians echoing his sentiments and calling for a overhaul of the country’s security architecture.
The Tinubu Administration’s Response: Rhetoric vs. Reality
Since assuming office in May 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has repeatedly pledged to prioritize security and restore stability to Nigeria. His administration has pointed to increased funding for the military, the procurement of new equipment, and the deployment of additional troops to hotspots as evidence of its commitment. However, critics argue that these measures have yielded little tangible progress, as terrorist attacks, kidnappings, and communal clashes continue unabated across the country.
The Tinubu government has often cited operational successes, such as the neutralization of terrorist leaders and the rescue of hostages, as proof of its effectiveness. Yet, these claims are frequently overshadowed by high-profile attacks that expose the gaps in Nigeria’s security framework. The Garkida attack, for instance, raises questions about the effectiveness of intelligence-gathering and the ability of security forces to respond swiftly to threats in remote areas. Residents of Garkida have accused the government of abandoning them, noting that security operatives arrived hours after the attackers had fled, leaving the community to fend for itself.
The administration’s reliance on kinetic approaches—military operations and airstrikes—has also come under scrutiny. While such measures may disrupt terrorist activities in the short term, they have done little to address the underlying factors fueling insecurity, such as poverty, lack of education, and the proliferation of small arms. Analysts argue that a more holistic strategy, combining military action with socioeconomic interventions and community engagement, is needed to achieve lasting peace.
A Historical Perspective: Nigeria’s Struggle with Insecurity
To fully understand the significance of Atiku’s critique and the Garkida attack, it is essential to place Nigeria’s security challenges in historical context. The Boko Haram insurgency, which began in 2009 under the leadership of Mohammed Yusuf, initially emerged as a localized movement advocating for strict Islamic governance. However, it quickly escalated into a full-blown terrorist campaign, targeting civilians, security forces, and government institutions. The group’s tactics, including suicide bombings, abductions, and attacks on schools, have caused widespread devastation, particularly in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states.
The Nigerian government’s response to the insurgency has been a mix of military campaigns, negotiations, and rehabilitation programs for repentant fighters. Under former President Goodluck Jonathan, the government declared a state of emergency in the Northeast and launched a multinational joint task force to combat Boko Haram. The administration of Muhammadu Buhari, Tinubu’s predecessor, claimed significant progress, including the recapture of territories previously controlled by the insurgents. However, the persistence of attacks like the one in Garkida suggests that these gains have been overstated or unsustainable.
Beyond the Northeast, Nigeria faces other security threats that have stretched its resources and exposed the fragility of its governance structures. In the Northwest, armed banditry has displaced thousands and disrupted agricultural activities, contributing to food insecurity. In the Southeast, the activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and other separatist groups have led to clashes with security forces, further destabilizing the region. Meanwhile, communal conflicts over land and resources in the Middle Belt continue to claim lives and exacerbate ethnic tensions.
The Humanitarian Crisis: A Growing Concern
The Garkida attack has also drawn attention to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Nigeria’s Northeast. The United Nations estimates that over 8 million people in the region are in need of humanitarian assistance, with millions living in displacement camps or host communities. The destruction of homes, schools, and healthcare facilities in attacks like the one in Garkida has compounded the suffering of already vulnerable populations, many of whom rely on aid to survive.
Women and children are particularly affected, facing risks of sexual violence, malnutrition, and lack of access to education. The attack on Garkida, which targeted schools and community centers, has further disrupted efforts to provide education and psychosocial support to children affected by the conflict. Humanitarian organizations have called for increased funding and protection for aid workers, who often operate in dangerous conditions to deliver life-saving assistance.
The economic impact of the insurgency cannot be overstated. The destruction of farmlands and markets in Garkida and other affected areas has disrupted local economies, pushing more families into poverty. The Northeast, once a hub of agricultural production, has seen a sharp decline in food security, with many residents unable to afford basic necessities. The federal government’s failure to address these socioeconomic challenges has fueled resentment and eroded public trust.
Political Implications: Atiku’s Critique and the 2027 Elections
Atiku’s statement is not only a critique of the Tinubu administration but also a strategic move in the context of Nigeria’s evolving political landscape. As a prominent opposition figure and a potential contender in the 2027 presidential elections, Atiku is positioning himself as a voice for Nigerians disillusioned with the current government. His focus on security aligns with public sentiment, as recent polls indicate that insecurity is among the top concerns for voters.
The PDP, under Atiku’s influence, has sought to capitalize on the Tinubu administration’s perceived failures, particularly in the areas of security and economic management. The Garkida attack provides fodder for the opposition to argue that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has not delivered on its promises. However, the PDP itself faces challenges, including internal divisions and questions about its own record on security during its 16 years in power from 1999 to 2015.
The Tinubu administration, for its part, is likely to face increasing pressure to demonstrate results as the 2027 elections approach. The president’s allies have defended his record, arguing that he inherited a complex security situation and that his reforms, including the decentralization of policing and investments in technology, will yield results in the long term. However, with attacks like the one in Garkida dominating headlines, the government risks losing public confidence if it cannot deliver tangible improvements.
The Way Forward: Addressing Nigeria’s Security Crisis
Atiku’s call for action underscores the need for a comprehensive and multi-pronged approach to Nigeria’s security challenges. Experts have proposed several strategies to address the crisis, including:
Strengthening Intelligence and Early Warning Systems: The Garkida attack highlights the need for improved intelligence-gathering and coordination among security agencies. Investing in technology, such as drones and surveillance systems, could enhance the ability to detect and respond to threats in real time.
Community-Based Security Initiatives: Engaging local communities in security efforts, through programs like community policing and civilian joint task forces, could help build trust and improve intelligence-sharing. The government must ensure that these initiatives are well-funded and free from corruption.
Addressing Root Causes: Poverty, unemployment, and lack of education are key drivers of insecurity. The government should prioritize investments in education, job creation, and infrastructure development in affected regions to reduce the appeal of extremist groups.
Regional and International Cooperation: The porous borders in the Northeast facilitate the movement of terrorists and weapons. Nigeria must strengthen collaboration with neighboring countries, such as Chad and Cameroon, and leverage support from international partners to combat transnational terrorism.
Reforming the Security Sector: Nigeria’s security forces face challenges such as inadequate training, low morale, and allegations of human rights abuses. Comprehensive reforms, including better funding, training, and oversight, are essential to improving their effectiveness.
Humanitarian and Reconstruction Efforts: Rebuilding communities like Garkida requires a concerted effort to provide humanitarian aid, reconstruct infrastructure, and support displaced populations. The government must work with international organizations to ensure that aid reaches those in need.
Public Reaction: A Nation at a Crossroads
The Garkida attack and Atiku’s subsequent remarks have sparked a wave of reactions across Nigeria. On social media platforms like X, Nigerians have expressed frustration and anger, with hashtags such as #EndInsecurity and #TinubuMustAct trending in the days following the attack. Many users echoed Atiku’s sentiments, accusing the government of prioritizing politics over the safety of citizens. Others called for unity, urging Nigerians to set aside partisan differences and demand accountability from all leaders.
Civil society organizations and human rights groups have also weighed in, calling for an independent investigation into the Garkida attack and greater transparency in the government’s security operations. Some have criticized the military’s response time, arguing that the delay in deploying troops allowed the attackers to escape. Others have called for the prosecution of those responsible for security lapses, including local officials who failed to act on early warnings.
Conclusion: A Call for Leadership and Accountability
The attack on Garkida is a tragic reminder of the challenges Nigeria faces in its quest for peace and security. Atiku Abubakar’s critique of the Tinubu administration reflects the frustrations of a nation tired of unfulfilled promises and recurring violence. While the government has taken steps to address the crisis, the persistence of attacks like the one in Garkida underscores the need for a more effective and holistic approach.
As Nigeria grapples with this multifaceted crisis, the government must demonstrate leadership, transparency, and accountability. The people of Garkida and millions of Nigerians across the country deserve to live in safety and dignity. The time for empty rhetoric has passed; what is needed now is decisive action to end the cycle of violence and restore hope to a nation on edge.
