The security situation in Nigerian has deteriorated so badly that citizens can no longer move around freely within the various states of the nation, without fear of being attacked, robbed, kidnapped, molested, brutalized by hoodlums and officers, who sometimes, pose and act under guise of the law.
Many citizens of the federation are in fact, very angry, and at the same time worried about the damning and prevalent issues of Insecurity whose challenges doesn’t seem to be going away any time soon especially because of the political undertone behind it, in the opinion of many.
One of the factors that has triggered widespread criticism of this present administration led by president Muhammadu Buhari, according to some prominent elders statesmen and the views of numerous Nigerians within and outside the country, with regards to issues of security, is the audacity and impunity with which the government of the day tries to downplay the seriousness of the situation and give everyone including international bodies, the impression that they are having the situation under control.
Meanwhile, Nigerian and its citizens has battled with the issue of Boko-haram a unique terrorist group who insurgent activities had led to the killings of millions of citizens especially in the rural areas and northern regions of the country.
In the heat of this entire security crisis, the federal government are insisting and boasting of winning the war against insecurity in the country. This view was made known to the public recently by the Minister of Information and Culture,
Lai Mohammed, when he disclosed that security agents are working efficiently towards protecting Nigerians, while speaking at a press conference in Abuja.
The Minister further revealed and made comparisons to pass administrations, insisting that Nigeria’s security situation under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari was better than 2015.
Mohammed also recounted some of the successes security operatives recorded in the course of their duties.
He said: “I can say without hesitation that, though Nigeria is facing security challenges, the situation is far better than what we met in 2015.
“I can tell you today that the armed forces, the police and other security and intelligence agencies are ramping up their efforts to enhance the security of lives and property across the country, and the results are beginning to show.
“Therefore, we will be highlighting, at this press conference, the recent successes recorded by the Armed forces and other security and intelligence agencies in the fight against terrorists, bandits and other criminals.
“Since the beginning of this year, which is barely three weeks old, the Armed Forces of Nigeria have neutralised 158 criminal elements across the country. This is in addition to scores of other terrorists and armed bandits killed during airstrikes.
“Some 52 criminal elements were arrested, with scores of arms, ammunition and equipment recovered.
“Troops have also rescued a total of 17 kidnapped victims across the country.”
As usual some citizens did not take too kindly to the minister’s comments and as such vented their reactions and criticisms on social media platforms and news outlets.
Below are a selected few;
-Where is Aisha Buhari – Omokri questions Lai Mohammed over comments on Nigeria’s security situation
Insecurity:
-Lai Mohammed minister of misinformation, Buhari govt has failed – Fayose.
-New Service Chiefs: Buhari has proved Lai Mohammed wrong – Ukweni
-Another factor in all of these to debunk the minister statement is the move by most state governors to create alternative security measures to protect their citizen’s lives and properties.
Gift Joseph Okpakorese
Staff Writer