Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the escalating wave of violent attacks across Nigeria, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to national peace, unity, and stability, while calling on the Federal Government to take more decisive action to protect citizens and restore public confidence in security institutions.
In a statement shared via his official social media account, Atiku denounced what he described as continued acts of terrorism and brigandage, stressing that violence against innocent civilians must not be allowed to define the country’s identity or future. He extended condolences to families and communities affected by recent attacks and urged authorities to intensify coordinated efforts to address the worsening security situation.
The former Vice President emphasised that the primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property, adding that renewed urgency and stronger institutional coordination were necessary to confront insecurity effectively. He also noted the importance of international cooperation, acknowledging support from the United States in Nigeria’s broader counterterrorism efforts.
His remarks come amid renewed concerns over security breaches across several regions of the country, including a recent coordinated attack on a military base in Borno State. Reports indicate that the assault on the 29 Task Force Brigade under Operation HADIN KAI in Benisheikh resulted in the killing of soldiers, including Brigadier-General O.O. Braimah, with military assets and infrastructure also damaged during the operation. Insurgent groups operating in the North-East, including Boko Haram and its splinter faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province, continue to pose persistent threats despite ongoing military campaigns.
In Kaduna State, armed attackers targeted churches in Ariko village within Kachia Local Government Area, killing five worshippers and abducting 31 people, an incident that further heightened fear in communities already affected by recurring violence. In Benue State, suspected armed herders reportedly killed 10 residents in Gwer East Local Government Area, adding to the cycle of rural insecurity affecting farming communities.
Other parts of the country have also experienced violent incidents, including Katsina State where a policeman was killed during renewed bandit attacks. In Borno State’s Chibok Local Government Area, the Awapul community was attacked, with homes and shops set ablaze. In separate coordinated attacks reported across Kebbi and Kwara states, at least 49 villagers were killed, with Kebbi accounting for 44 deaths across multiple communities in Shanga Local Government Area.
The series of attacks has intensified public concern over the state of security, particularly in rural regions where armed groups continue to operate with significant mobility. Analysts and community leaders have repeatedly called for stronger intelligence gathering, improved response coordination, and enhanced protection of vulnerable populations.
Amid these developments, Atiku also weighed in on recent economic comparisons made by President Bola Tinubu regarding fuel prices across African countries. The former Vice President criticised the remarks, arguing that they failed to reflect the broader economic realities faced by Nigerians.
He stated that while Nigeria may record lower petrol prices compared to some countries such as Kenya, such comparisons are misleading when examined against income levels, cost of living, and purchasing power. According to him, economic well-being cannot be measured solely by fuel prices but must consider how much citizens earn relative to what they spend on basic needs.
Atiku further highlighted disparities in income, noting that Kenya’s gross domestic product per capita is significantly higher than Nigeria’s, and that minimum wage earners in Nairobi reportedly earn the equivalent of about 170,000 naira, compared to Nigeria’s 70,000 naira minimum wage. He argued that these differences illustrate the pressure faced by Nigerian workers, who earn less while contending with rising living costs.
He also criticised the country’s wage structure, stating that affordability is determined by the relationship between income and expenditure rather than isolated price comparisons. He warned that the current economic situation has contributed to declining living standards and increasing financial strain on households.
Atiku described it as disappointing that, in his view, the government appears to rely on selective economic indicators while citizens continue to grapple with inflation, poverty, and reduced purchasing power. He urged leaders to adopt a more comprehensive understanding of economic conditions and to prioritise policies that directly improve livelihoods.
Despite his criticism, Atiku expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome its current security and economic challenges, calling for collective resolve among citizens and leaders to restore stability and progress. He maintained that national unity and coordinated governance efforts remain essential in addressing both insecurity and economic hardship.
The combined pressures of insecurity and economic adjustment continue to shape public debate in Nigeria, as authorities face increasing demands to deliver effective solutions. Government officials have repeatedly pledged reforms in security operations and economic management, while citizens remain watchful of tangible improvements in safety and living conditions.
Additional government and security stakeholders have reiterated commitments to strengthen inter-agency coordination and expand intelligence-driven operations aimed at curbing attacks across affected regions. Officials have also indicated that ongoing reforms within security institutions are intended to improve rapid response capabilities and enhance protection of rural communities most exposed to violence. Policy discussions at federal level continue to focus on balancing military operations with socio-economic interventions designed to address underlying drivers of insecurity, including unemployment and resource competition. Observers note that sustained engagement between federal authorities, state governments, and international partners will remain crucial in shaping outcomes in the months ahead as Nigeria confronts overlapping security and economic pressures that continue to affect national stability and public confidence.
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