Bugaje Blasts Tinubu Administration Over Insecurity, Says State Apparatus ‘Defeated By Bandits’

…Alleges Worsening Kidnappings, Ransom Economy, Questions Political Will In Security Fight

Former House of Representatives member and Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Convention Planning Committee, Usman Bugaje, has launched a scathing attack on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing it of failing in its constitutional duty to protect lives and property amid worsening insecurity across Nigeria.

Bugaje, speaking on Tuesday during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, said the level of insecurity in the country reflects a breakdown of state capacity and called on the Federal Government to openly admit its shortcomings.

“In terms of insecurity, I feel this government should be ashamed of itself… and come out and say sorry to Nigerians that we have not been able to provide you security,” he said, questioning the administration’s bid for a second term despite what he described as a deteriorating security situation.

He argued that attacks, kidnappings and killings have become widespread, with reports of traditional rulers abandoning their palaces due to threats, while farmers are increasingly unable to access their farmlands in several parts of the country.

Bugaje specifically cited reports that over 30 traditional rulers in the South-West no longer sleep in their palaces due to repeated attacks, saying the development “speaks volumes” about the depth of insecurity in the country.

He also referenced figures attributed to the National Bureau of Statistics, claiming that about N2.2 trillion was paid in ransom between 2023 and 2024, describing the trend as evidence that criminal groups are becoming financially stronger than state security institutions.

“Now, if the state is allocating less than what bandits are collecting, it means that the bandits are in a position to have more money than the state for security. The state is defeated,” he said.

The former lawmaker, who represented Jibia/Kaita Federal Constituency between 2003 and 2007 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), further lamented the impact of insecurity on agriculture, particularly in parts of Zamfara, Katsina and Sokoto States, warning that food production is collapsing in several rural communities.

He recounted a case of a prominent farmer allegedly kidnapped, forced to pay N500 million ransom, and later killed despite payment, describing it as proof that criminal networks now operate with growing confidence.

Bugaje insisted there was “no justification” for what he described as the government’s failure to curb insecurity, adding that the constitutional responsibility of any administration begins with safeguarding citizens’ lives.

“So honestly, I can’t see any excuse for this government… if they fail in this fundamental duty, there is no point asking for another term,” he said.

He also dismissed claims by government officials that insecurity is being exaggerated, describing such positions as an evasion of responsibility.

Bugaje said: “I laugh at the idea that insecurity is being exaggerated. It is too obvious that the government lacks the political will to go after these people.”

The former federal lawmaker also made controversial allegations suggesting possible compromise within the security architecture, though he did not provide independent evidence to support the claims.

He referenced the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who reportedly died in captivity after being abducted, alleging that communications linked to the incident suggested familiarity between some officials and suspected criminal elements.

Bugaje also recounted a separate incident in his hometown in Katsina State, where youths involved in community defence reportedly arrested armed suspects and handed them over to the police, but were later detained.

He alleged that the development raised concerns about the handling of community policing and suspected influence by criminal groups on security decisions.

“In my own town… the youths were arrested and kept in custody under questionable circumstances,” he said.

Bugaje further alleged that some public office holders have previously been linked—according to reports and claims—to engagements with bandit groups in the North-West.

He specifically referenced the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, claiming he had been accused in the past of associations with criminal elements during his tenure as governor.

He said: “Go and check the records… he has been accused of working with bandits,” while questioning the suitability of such individuals in sensitive defence positions.

However, these allegations remain unverified and have not been independently substantiated.

Nigeria continues to grapple with insecurity involving armed banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and rural violence, particularly in the North-West and parts of the North-Central region.

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