• Administration rescued 4,641 hostages, says coalition
• Nigeria will utilise AI for enhanced security, FG assures
• Agbakoba asks President to fix insecurity, others in second year

As the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marks one year in government, its handling of insecurity has drawn both praise and condemnation from observers.

This came as the Ministry of Interior said it was utilising advanced technologies, including biometrics, artificial intelligence, and sophisticated surveillance systems, to improve security and operational efficiency in its departments and agencies.

This reportedly includes the integration of digital tools and platforms to streamline administrative processes, improve data management, and facilitate real-time intelligence sharing among security agencies.

During a three-day top management retreat held from May 24 to May 26, 2024, Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the ministry aims to strengthen capabilities in crime prevention, border control, and emergency response.

The retreat, which brought together senior officers from the ministry and its agencies, emphasised a result-driven approach to enhance efficiency, security, and innovation across all operations.

Tunji-Ojo reiterated the ministry’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s administration and urged staff to adopt a business-minded approach to public administration.

He also outlined several key actions to be undertaken. He stressed the critical role of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in protecting national assets and called for a specialised focus on preventing pipeline vandalism and securing educational institutions, among other critical infrastructure.

A security analyst, Mr Senator Iroegbu, noted that the Tinubu administration seems to underestimate the seriousness of the challenge.

He said: “While the focus has been largely diverted to pressing economic issues, the administration fails to fully grasp the interconnectedness of human security, which includes economic and food security.

“Fiscal and monetary policies, such as the removal of fuel subsidy, electricity tariff hike, flip-flop floating of forex and additional taxes, have exacerbated the hardships faced by Nigerians. These policies have not only worsened the economic situation but also contributed to a rise in crime rates and a heightened sense of vulnerability across the country.

“In summary, while the administration grapples with economic challenges, the critical issue of insecurity requires more attention and a well-defined approach to ensure the safety and well-being of all Nigerians.”

On his part, crime editor, Chukwukasi Oji, noted that there is nothing to celebrate in Tinubu’s one year in office.

He said: “The administration of President Bola Tinubu took over the mantle of leadership from their party member (Buhari). I stand to be corrected that the current administration knew the security situation before contesting the election. Tinubu, being the then leader of the party, should not distance himself from the mismanagement of the security architecture during Buhari’s eight years in office.

“President Tinubu was aware and promised us a renewed hope. But what we are seeing is that despite the colossal amount of money wasted on security, insecurity is still there. The administration is still in limbo on what to do about insecurity.

“The current economic policies of this administration have made matters worse. People are hungry, and a hungry man can do anything to survive. The state of insecurity has worsened because of hunger.

“The removal of oil subsidy has brought untold hardships to Nigerians. Prices of food have skyrocketed and continue to go up. There is an increase in electricity tariff, gas and transportation. School fees, house rents and essential commodities are beyond the ordinary man. People want to survive. As such, they are doing everything criminally possible to survive.”

He said the government has nothing to celebrate “because kidnapping is on the increase, bandits have taken over local government areas and killer herdsmen are on the prowl, and more daring. We can’t freely travel on our roads. Our hearts are always in our mouths while travelling. Our children are being abducted in their schools. So, there is no difference between the last administration and the current administration. There is nothing to be celebrated in the one year in office.”

Also, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Dr Olisa Agbakoba, urged President Tinubu to solve insecurity and others like, electricity challenges, saying they are the solutions to the nation’s economy.

Agbakoba, who spoke at a news conference in Lagos, said: “President Tinubu’s first year in office has laid the groundwork for significant progress, with notable achievements in various sectors. The right policy choices have been put in place, but implementation has been a challenge.

“To fully realise his transformative vision and deliver on his campaign promises, it is crucial for the government to focus on key areas that will make the most impact, such as security, power, and an emergency industrial revolution. If Tinubu can solve these critical issues, it will release kinetic energy and accelerate progress.”

However, Nigeria First Project, which is a coalition of Civil Society Organisations, said despite security challenges confronting the country, the Tinubu administration succeeded in neutralising 9,303 terrorists and rescuing 4,641 hostages.

Briefing newsmen on the first anniversary of the administration in Abuja, yesterday, the coordinator of the group, Hamza Sauwala, said: “The government is tackling insecurity using a holistic approach. We have seen a paradigm shift in the way and manner various security agencies work. Our gallant military troops deserve commendation for neutralising 9,303 terrorists and criminals, including degenerate kingpins such as Damina, Dangote, Kachalla Azarailu, and Boderi, to mention but a few.

“This is apart from the arrest of 6,998, and rescue of 4,641 hostages. Looking at all the facts and figures regarding the success recorded in the security and defence of our country, our coalition is of the view that the Tinubu government deserves applause not castigation. And it is on the course of restoring peace and security in Nigeria.”

Urging Nigerians to exercise more patience with the current administration, he said: “We salute President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s courage for continuing to stick to his manifesto, despite the hullabaloo mostly amplified out of proportion by some politicians and critics of the administration.”

Similarly, a security analyst, Mr Linus Aleke, gave the administration a thumbs up, saying it has done well in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other emerging security threats.

He however added: “One year, in my view, is too short a time to begin to objectively assess the performance of an administration security wise, when it has a four-year life span before the next election circle.”

It was gathered that over 8,000 persons have been killed nationwide since the current administration took over.

An Abuja-based security and investigative firm, Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited, had revealed that gunmen killed 2,583 persons and kidnapped 2,164 in the first quarter of this year.

The report disclosed that the killings and abductions took place nationwide from January to March, adding that 80 per cent of the killings and 94 per cent of abductions took place in the north.

The data showed that 793 were killed in the North-West, 681 in the North-East and 596 in the North-Central. The South-West recorded 194, the South-South, 161; and South-East, 158.

The five states with the highest number of killings were Borno, 517; Benue, 313; Katsina, 252; Zamfara, 212 and Kaduna, 206.

It noted that the killings were a result of bandits’ attacks, farmers/herders’ conflicts and communal clashes.

The data showed that of the 2,164 persons kidnapped within the period, 1,297 were seized in the North-West, 421 in the North-East, 330 in the North-Central, 30 in the South-West, 66 in the South-South and 20 in the South-East.

Kaduna State had the highest number of abductees with 546; Zamfara, 447; Borno, 340; Katsina, 252 and the Federal Capital Territory, 102.