African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over Nigeria’s worsening security situation, citing the latest Global Terrorism Index (GTI) report as evidence of rising deaths and attacks across the country.
In a statement issued by its National Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party accused the Tinubu-led administration of failing to protect citizens, declaring that more Nigerians have died from terrorist attacks under the current government than at any other time in the nation’s history.
“While President Tinubu eats cake in London, the Global Terrorism Index confirms that more Nigerians have died from terrorist attacks under his watch than at any other time in history,” Abdullahi said.
The ADC pointed to data showing a significant increase in terrorist incidents, stating that attacks surged by 43 per cent—from 120 incidents in 2024 to 171 in 2025.
It also highlighted the disproportionate impact on Borno State, noting that the region now accounts for 67 per cent of attacks and 72 per cent of terrorism-related deaths.
“Most concerning, civilians now make up 67 per cent of those killed, while the Nigerian military makes up 19 per cent. That is a measure of how exposed ordinary Nigerians have become under this administration,” the statement added.
Drawing a comparison with international leadership responses to security crises, Abdullahi said, “It is interesting to note that when 7 American soldiers were killed in the recent Iran conflict, President Trump went to receive their bodies. But when 30 civilians were killed this week in Borno, President Tinubu flew to the United Kingdom for tea and biscuits.”
Amid the criticism, the ADC outlined a three-point strategy it said would address Nigeria’s security challenges if implemented.
“First, we will fix coordination. Nigeria does not lack intelligence, it lacks coordination,” Abdullahi stated, adding that the party plans to establish “a legally mandated national intelligence coordination system, led by a Coordinator of National Intelligence, and a unified Joint Terrorism Task Force.”
According to him, the objective is to ensure “no more missed signals, no more confusion, no more excuses.”
The party also proposed decentralising policing to improve response at the grassroots level.
“Second, we will bring security closer to the people. Nigeria cannot be policed effectively from Abuja alone,” he said, explaining that the ADC would implement “a decentralized policing system with federal, state, and community layers, each with clear roles and national standards.”
Abdullahi said this approach would guarantee “faster response, clearer accountability, and security that reflects the local realities of the 774 local government areas.”
On prevention, the ADC stressed the need to move beyond reactive measures.
“Third, we will shift from reaction to prevention. Today, Nigeria reacts to attacks after lives are lost,” he said, adding that the party intends to build “an intelligence-driven, preventive security system that is powered by data, early warning systems, and rapid response units in every state.”
“The ADC’s focus will be to stop attacks before they happen, not merely respond after tragedy strikes,” the statement concluded.
The remarks add to growing political reactions following the release of the Global Terrorism Index 2026 report, which has sparked renewed debate over Nigeria’s security challenges.
