Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Abuja, Nigeria — Human rights lawyer and activist Inibehe Effiong has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration over what he describes as inadequate responses to insecurity in Nigeria. Effiong’s statement, shared on the social platform X on Monday, contrasted Nigeria’s handling of domestic security crises with the decisive action taken by foreign governments in similar situations, drawing attention to the perceived gaps in leadership and response.
Central to Effiong’s critique was the November 2025 death of Brigadier General Musa Uba, a senior officer in the Nigerian Army who was killed after being captured by insurgents linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Borno State. Reports indicate that General Uba was ambushed near Wajiroko and later executed by his captors. The Nigerian Army initially denied the capture, and the presidency subsequently confirmed his death, describing it as a tragic loss for the nation’s armed forces.
Effiong compared this incident to a high-profile United States military operation in which American forces successfully rescued a downed pilot during a confrontation with Iran. He argued that the swift and robust response by the U.S. demonstrated a level of urgency and commitment that Nigeria failed to show in protecting General Uba. Effiong criticised the Nigerian government for what he called “indifference” and for failing to undertake a visible and effective rescue effort, highlighting broader concerns about leadership and accountability in addressing national security threats.
The lawyer’s remarks resonate with widespread frustration over the persistence of violent attacks, kidnappings, and insurgency across northern and central Nigeria. Despite government measures, including a national security emergency declared in late 2025 and the expansion of police and army personnel, security challenges remain acute in several states. Critics have emphasised the ongoing threats posed by armed groups, including Boko Haram and ISWAP, which continue to conduct attacks on civilians and military personnel.
President Tinubu expressed personal grief over General Uba’s death at the time and vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice. He also highlighted the efforts of security agencies to protect civilians and combat insurgency. However, Effiong and other critics argue that such assurances have not translated into sufficient action, pointing to continued attacks and high-profile casualties as evidence of systemic weaknesses.
The death of General Uba has become symbolic of broader concerns about Nigeria’s security management. Effiong’s critique reflects a wider debate about the effectiveness of government policies, operational execution by security forces, and the prioritisation of citizen and military protection. Many Nigerians, including opposition figures and civil society actors, have echoed calls for stronger, more coordinated measures to combat terrorism and protect lives.
Effiong’s comments have sparked discussion on social media and among public commentators about the need for transparency, accountability, and more decisive action in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges. Supporters of the administration argue that combating entrenched armed groups requires long-term, multifaceted efforts, including intelligence coordination, community engagement, and strategic resource deployment. Nonetheless, Effiong’s remarks have amplified scrutiny of government priorities and response effectiveness.
As insecurity continues to shape political discourse and affect daily life in many regions, the Tinubu administration faces pressure to demonstrate measurable improvements in national security. The debate surrounding General Uba’s death and Effiong’s critique underscores the importance of government accountability and the public’s expectation that state institutions act decisively to safeguard citizens and military personnel alike.
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