Former member of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Convention Planning Committee, Usman Bugaje, has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the security situation in Nigeria, accusing the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of failing to adequately protect citizens and their property.
Speaking during an interview on Frontline, a public affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, Bugaje argued that insecurity remains one of the country’s most pressing challenges and questioned the government’s readiness to seek another term in office.
According to him, the continued cases of kidnapping, banditry and violent attacks across different parts of the country indicate that the government has not fulfilled one of its primary constitutional obligations.
Bugaje noted that reports of traditional rulers living under constant threat and, in some cases, avoiding their palaces due to security concerns reflect the seriousness of the situation. He added that several communities continue to experience attacks, forcing residents to live in fear.
The SDP chieftain also referenced reports indicating that billions of naira have been paid as ransom to criminal groups in recent years. He argued that the huge sums reportedly collected by kidnappers and bandits highlight the growing influence of criminal networks and raise concerns about the effectiveness of government efforts to tackle insecurity.
He further lamented the impact of insecurity on agriculture, particularly in parts of northern Nigeria. According to him, many farmers in states such as Zamfara, Katsina and Sokoto have abandoned their farmlands because of persistent attacks, a development he said poses a serious threat to food production and national stability.
Bugaje recalled the reported abduction and killing of a prominent farmer who allegedly paid a substantial ransom before being murdered by his captors. He described the incident as a troubling example of the boldness with which criminal elements now operate.
The former lawmaker maintained that security remains the foremost responsibility of government and insisted that citizens deserve better protection. He argued that the administration has not shown sufficient results in addressing the challenge despite being several years into its tenure.
Responding to suggestions by some government officials that reports of insecurity are being exaggerated, Bugaje dismissed such claims, insisting that the realities on the ground are evident to many Nigerians.
Meanwhile, Bugaje also alleged that certain public officials and political figures maintain questionable relationships with criminal elements operating in parts of northern Nigeria.
Referring to the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who reportedly died while in the custody of kidnappers, he claimed that conversations allegedly involving local government officials and suspected bandits suggest the existence of relationships that should be thoroughly investigated.
He also recounted an incident in his hometown of Bugaji, Katsina State, where local youths involved in community security efforts reportedly apprehended armed suspects and handed them over to law enforcement authorities. According to him, the youths later found themselves in police custody under circumstances he described as disturbing.
Bugaje further referenced past allegations made against the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, regarding alleged links to bandit groups. While acknowledging that such claims have generated public debate, he argued that government must demonstrate stronger commitment and political will in confronting insecurity and addressing any allegations capable of undermining public confidence in the nation’s security architecture.
He concluded by calling for decisive action against criminal groups and urged authorities to prioritise the protection of lives and property across the country.
