Security expert condemns Badaru over rising insecurity

Security consultant and public affairs analyst, Opialu Fabian, has criticised Mohammed Badaru, the Minister of Defence, over the country’s worsening insecurity.

Speaking during a TVC News programme, Politics Tonight, on Monday, Fabian commended Tinubu’s efforts and political will, particularly in allocating the highest budgetary provision for security in Nigeria’s history.

“The President has done well. The budgetary provision is the highest in history, meaning the President has demonstrated the will to fight insecurity,” Fabian said.

However, he expressed disappointment in the performance of the President’s security appointees, stating that they have not lived up to expectations.

“These appointees have not quite done well. The President gave the security agents marching orders to end insecurity, but it doesn’t work like that. Insecurity develops in stages — this has grown to this level due to the negligence of past leaders,” he added.

Fabian particularly criticised Badaru, stating that the recent call for self-help by former Minister of Defence, Theophilus Danjuma, signalled a loss of public confidence in the current leadership.

“If TY Danjuma is calling for self-help to end insecurity, that means he has passed a vote of no confidence in the current Minister of Defence,” he stated.

He further accused the minister of failing to develop effective intelligence-gathering systems, a critical component of national security.

“Intelligence gathering is a critical aspect of national security, and the Minister’s inability to effectively gather and utilise intelligence has contributed to the current security challenges facing the country,” Fabian said.

Fabian, therefore, urged Badaru to step down, citing his inability to deliver results.

“The Minister should thank Nigerians and the President for the opportunity to serve and step aside. It’s clear that he is not fit for the job, and his continued presence in the position will only exacerbate the security challenges facing the country,” he asserted.

He attributed much of the nation’s insecurity to leadership failures and called for a complete overhaul of the country’s security framework.

“Our Armed Forces have done well over the years. However, they are suffering from leadership issues. The security architecture must be rejigged to suit the current dynamics and peculiarities,” Fabian said.

He also urged state governments, particularly in Benue and Plateau, to adopt a more proactive and comprehensive approach to resolving conflicts.

“Benue and Plateau State governments need to take a more drastic approach to addressing the root causes of insecurity, rather than just treating the symptoms.

“The governments have not done enough because they are viewing the crisis at the surface level. There is a need for a more comprehensive approach that addresses the underlying issues driving the conflict,” he concluded.