ABUJA – Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has sharply criticized the Tinubu administration’s approach to securing the release of abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State, declaring that “no serious nation celebrates negotiation with terrorists” and calling for more decisive action against criminal elements.
In a strongly-worded statement issued Wednesday, the former presidential candidate challenged the government’s portrayal of the girls’ return as an achievement, arguing instead that it highlights Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation where “terrorists now operate freely, dictate terms and negotiate openly.”
The criticism came in response to comments by Presidential Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, who confirmed that security agencies had tracked the kidnappers and made contact to secure the girls’ release while avoiding direct confrontation to protect nearby civilians.
“Why is the government boasting about talking to terrorists instead of eliminating them?” Atiku questioned. “Why is kidnapping now reduced to a routine phone call between criminals and state officials?”
The former vice president characterized the situation as evidence that “terrorists and bandits have become an alternative government, negotiating, collecting ransom and walking away untouched, while the presidency celebrates their compliance.”
The debate emerges following Tuesday’s release of 24 schoolgirls abducted from Government Girls’ Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State on November 17. During the attack, the vice principal and a security guard were killed, with one student managing to escape shortly after the invasion.
President Tinubu had expressed relief that “all 24 girls had been accounted for” and urged security agencies to intensify operations in trouble spots across the country.
The exchange highlights growing national concern about the government’s strategy for addressing mass kidnappings, with many Nigerians questioning why perpetrators consistently escape consequences for their actions.
