By Hon. CID Maduabum, LL.M
Recent public claims by Engr. Babachir Lawal that Alh. Atiku Abubakar, GCON has been silent and unconcerned on insecurity, banditry, terrorism and associated crimes plaguing Nigeria are contradicted by the public record. Nothing can be further than the truth. A review of the past decade shows that, he has consistently condemned terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnappings and mass killings across Nigeria, irrespective of which party controlled the Federal Government.
SOME OF ATIKU’S INTERVENTIONS DURING THE BUHARI ADMINISTRATION
DAPCHI SCHOOL GIRLS ABDUCTION – FEBRUARY 2018
Following the abduction of school girls from Government Girls Science and Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State, Atiku condemned the incident and described it as a painful reminder of the Chibok tragedy.
He urged the Federal Government and security agencies to act swiftly to secure the release of the girls and prevent future occurrences.
ZAMFARA BANDITRY CRISIS – 2019
As bandit attacks escalated across Zamfara State, Atiku repeatedly condemned the killings and displacement of communities.
He called for a comprehensive security strategy, improved intelligence gathering and stronger protection for rural communities under attack.
SOUTHERN KADUNA MASS KILLINGS – 2020
Following repeated attacks on communities in Southern Kaduna, Atiku condemned the killings and urged government to act decisively against those responsible.
He warned that the loss of innocent lives on such a scale was unacceptable and demanded justice for victims.
KANKARA SCHOOL BOYS ABDUCTION, DECEMBER 2020
Reacting to the abduction of hundreds of students from Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina State, Atiku condemned the incident and called for immediate action to rescue the children.
He stressed that schools should never become targets of criminal or terrorist activities.
NIGERIA’S WORSENING INSECURITY – 2021–2022
Throughout the later years of the Buhari administration, Atiku repeatedly expressed concern over rising terrorism, banditry, kidnappings and attacks on communities across the country.
He consistently called for:
• Better intelligence gathering.
• Enhanced military operations.
• Greater support for security personnel.
• Stronger coordination among security agencies.
• Protection of vulnerable communities.
SOME OF ATIKU’S INTERVENTIONS DURING THE TINUBU ADMINISTRATION
KATSINA BANDIT ATTACK – 11 JUNE 2024
Following the attack on Yargoje village in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State, where scores were killed and women and children abducted, Atiku condemned the incident and lamented the worsening security situation.
He stated:
“These acts of banditry and terrorism have become routine.”
He called on government to fulfill its constitutional duty to protect lives and property.
CRITICISM OF GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO KIDNAPPINGS – 26 NOVEMBER 2025
Following the release of abducted school children and worshippers in different states, Atiku criticized the Federal Government for celebrating the releases without ensuring the arrest and prosecution of the kidnappers.
He argued that terrorists and bandits were being allowed to operate with impunity.
NIGER STATE MASS KILLINGS AND ABDUCTIONS – 4 JANUARY 2026
After attacks on communities in Agwara and Borgu Local Government Areas of Niger State that reportedly left about 30 people dead and several others abducted, Atiku condemned the attacks as:
“Heinous” and “brazen.”
He demanded immediate rescue efforts and stronger security measures.
KADUNA CHURCH ABDUCTIONS – 21 JANUARY 2026
Reacting to the kidnapping of worshippers during a church service in Kajuru, Kaduna State, Atiku condemned the attack and warned against arrangements that reward criminality.
BORNO MASS ABDUCTION OF OVER 100 RESIDENTS – MARCH 2026
Following the terrorist attack on Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, Atiku described the incident as evidence of worsening insecurity and urged authorities to intensify efforts against terrorism and kidnappings.
NATION WIDE TERROR ATTACKS – 11 APRIL 2026
Reacting to renewed attacks across Nigeria, Atiku stated:
“I condemn, in unequivocal terms, the continued acts of terrorism and brigandage.”
He further described attacks on innocent citizens as:
“A grave affront to our shared humanity.”
He warned that continued insecurity threatens Nigeria’s peace, unity and stability.
SUMMARY OF ATIKU’S CONSISTENT POSITION
The public record shows that Atiku Abubakar has consistently:
• Condemned terrorism, insurgency, banditry and kidnapping.
• Expressed sympathy with victims and their families.
• Called for the rescue of abducted persons.
• Demanded stronger security measures and intelligence gathering.
• Criticized inadequate government responses to insecurity.
• Emphasized that the primary constitutional duty of government is the protection of lives and property.
Finally it is important to note that Atiku rejected the central ethos of BOKO HARAM by direct intervention regarding the Chibok girls:
CHIBOK GIRLS EDUCATION AND REHABILITATION INITIATIVE – 2014 TO DATE
Following the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls by Boko Haram in April 2014, Atiku Abubakar was not only vocal in condemning the tragedy but also took concrete steps to support the victims through education.
In August 2014, Atiku, through the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola, and with support from partners and donors, awarded scholarships to 15 Chibok girls who had escaped from captivity. The girls were admitted into the AUN Academy and provided access to quality education, accommodation and support services.
Subsequently, the American University of Nigeria became a major centre for the rehabilitation and education of rescued Chibok girls. Beginning in 2017, over 100 freed Chibok girls were enrolled at AUN under a Federal Government-sponsored educational programme.
The university provided:
• Full educational opportunities.
• Accommodation and welfare support.
• Psychosocial counselling and rehabilitation.
• Skills acquisition and leadership development programmes.
Over the years, many of the girls successfully completed secondary education and proceeded to university studies, with several graduating from AUN and other institutions.
This intervention remains one of the most significant educational rehabilitation programmes undertaken for victims of terrorism in Nigeria and demonstrates Atiku Abubakar’s commitment not only to condemning terrorism but also to supporting its victims through practical and sustainable measures.
Atiku’s response to insecurity went beyond public statements and condemnations; he also provided tangible support and educational opportunities for victims of terrorism, especially the Chibok girls.
CONCLUSION
The evidence is overwhelming. In our recent history, particularly under both President Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Alh. Atiku Abubakar repeatedly condemned terrorism, kidnappings, banditry and mass killings, demanded stronger action from government, and consistently advocated for the protection of Nigerian lives and communities. Any suggestion that he has been silent on insecurity is therefore not supported by the facts.
June 2, 2026.
