TMSG Tackles Atiku Over Silence on Banditry, Demands Clear Condemnation

The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over what it described as his continued silence on banditry in Nigeria, urging him to openly and unequivocally condemn the activities of armed criminal groups across the country.

The group said Atiku, as a prominent national figure and former Vice President, should be seen taking a clear stand against violent attacks rather than focusing his public interventions on criticisms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s handling of insecurity.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Emeka Nwankpa, and Secretary, Dapo Okubanjo, TMSG expressed concern over what it called the former Vice President’s “selective engagement” with the issue of insecurity.

According to the group, it is particularly troubling that Atiku has been vocal in criticising the current administration on security matters while, in its view, failing to directly condemn perpetrators of violence, including bandit groups operating in parts of the North-West.

The statement referenced the recent death of retired military spokesman, Major General Rabe Abubakar, who reportedly died while in captivity of bandits, describing the incident as a painful reminder of the need for stronger public denunciation of criminal activities.

“We would be right to expect that as a father, leader and elder statesman from Northern Nigeria, which is currently bedevilled by insecurity, the former Vice President should be seen to take the lead in calling out banditry,” the group said.

TMSG further alleged that insecurity has increasingly been politicised in national discourse, claiming that opposition figures often amplify criticism of government response while giving insufficient attention to condemning violent actors.

The group also argued that insecurity in Nigeria predates the current administration, noting that banditry evolved from earlier conflicts between herders and farmers before escalating into a wider national security challenge.

It accused Atiku of adopting what it described as a pattern of political opportunism around insecurity, particularly ahead of general elections.

“It is now increasingly obvious that the former Vice President is only interested in how to reap politically from the security situation in the country,” the statement added.

TMSG also referenced past political cycles, alleging that Atiku had previously been critical of successive administrations during periods of heightened insecurity, including the eras of former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari.

The group maintained that such conduct risks undermining ongoing efforts by the military and security agencies to stabilise affected regions.

It also commended recent military operations, including reported rescue efforts linked to the wife of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar, describing them as evidence of continued progress in the fight against criminal groups.

TMSG urged Nigerians to support the armed forces and the Tinubu administration in ongoing security operations, insisting that national unity is essential in addressing the country’s security challenges.

The group further called on political leaders to prioritise responsible engagement on security issues and avoid statements it said could deepen divisions or weaken public confidence in ongoing counterinsurgency efforts.