Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
A prominent Nigerian legal commentator, Barrister Darlington, has delivered a sharp critique of the federal government’s handling of the country’s escalating insecurity, asserting that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has failed to protect citizens from kidnappers and terrorists. In widely shared social media posts and video clips, Darlington argued that pervasive violence has reached a point where ordinary Nigerians — including government officials — are afraid to travel due to the threat of abduction and armed attacks, a situation he says has damaged Nigeria’s reputation internationally. The commentary, which has circulated across platforms including Instagram and other social feeds, portrays a bleak picture of national security and contends that armed groups are gaining ground while state responses remain inadequate.
Darlington’s remarks amplify public frustration with the persistence of mass kidnap cases, terrorist attacks, and communal insecurity across multiple regions of the country. He has characterised the situation as one in which terrorists are “winning the war” against the Nigerian state — a strong indictment of government policy and military strategy. He has also suggested that without decisive action and meaningful improvements to national security, armed criminal networks will continue to operate with impunity, undermining the ability of citizens and officials alike to travel safely within the country.
While Darlington’s exact quote about terrorists being “counted in Nigeria’s census” appears to be drawn from social media commentary, his broader critique aligns with a wider national conversation about security. Nigeria has faced sustained criticism at home and abroad over its struggle to contain kidnappings, insurgency, banditry and violent extremism, which have disrupted daily life and strained confidence in state institutions. In response to worsening insecurity, the federal government has recently declared a national security emergency, vowed to recruit tens of thousands of new police officers and re-orient military efforts toward counterterrorism, signalling an acknowledgment of the severity of the crisis.
Security analysts note that while there have been some tactical successes — including reported operations that have neutralised extremists and freed hostages — the sheer scale and complexity of violence across Nigeria’s North, Middle Belt and other regions continue to challenge government efforts. Critics like Darlington argue that piecemeal strategies and delays in delivering tangible improvements have eroded public trust and left many citizens feeling increasingly vulnerable.
The debate over Nigeria’s security response encompasses not only operational issues, such as intelligence gathering and military deployment, but also broader questions about governance, resource allocation, and the integration of community-based solutions. Calls for stronger leadership and accountability — both from figures like Barrister Darlington and civil society groups — reflect the deep concern among many Nigerians about a crisis that affects everyday safety, freedom of movement, and economic activity.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments