Maiduguri Bombings: Atiku Demands Urgent Review Of Security Strategy

A former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Maiduguri, warning that the resurgence of insurgency could erode public confidence in the Federal Government.

In a statement on Tuesday, Atiku described the development as disturbing, particularly the return of suicide bombings in the region.

“I am very sad at the latest terrorist attacks in Borno State and the resurfacing of suicide bombing that were hitherto defeated,” he said.

The condemnation followed coordinated attacks on Monday night, when three suicide bombings occurred almost simultaneously at the Maiduguri Monday Market, the Post Office, and an area near the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.

The explosions reportedly claimed 23 lives and left over 100 others injured, with families still searching for missing relatives believed to have been at the affected locations.

Atiku warned that the renewed wave of attacks could undermine trust in the government’s ability to secure lives and property.

“The resurgence of terrorism is capable of eroding public confidence in the ability of the government to protect its own citizens,” he said.

He further expressed concern over what he described as a broader deterioration in security.

“The increased waves of killing of soldiers and civilians by terrorists is reviving sad memories of 2014 when Boko Haram was most active in the country,” he added.

While commending the efforts of security forces, Atiku urged the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reassess its approach to tackling insecurity.

“While I commend the sacrifices of our servicemen in the conduct of unconventional warfare, the Tinubu administration should review its strategies,” he said.

He criticised what he described as a reliance on rhetoric rather than tangible results.

“Nigerians are not impressed with the government’s statements condemning terrorist attacks. They are more concerned about results. Results speak louder than the tough government’s rhetoric,” he stated.

The former vice president accused the government of focusing more on political battles than addressing security challenges.

“The Tinubu government appears to be more obsessed with crushing opposition politicians than it is with fixing the worsening security challenges,” he alleged.

“And it is obvious that despite the marching orders, the terrorists are still on the offensive.”

He also cautioned against politicising national security issues.

“Terrorists don’t know the difference between APC supporters and opposition sympathisers and it’s therefore unhelpful to dismiss honest advice as politically motivated,” he said.

Atiku also took a swipe at the President over his trip to the United Kingdom amid the attacks.

“Our soldiers are dying with outdated equipment while the President is on a state visit to Britain, while body parts are being gathered in Borno,” he said.

“We urge His Majesty the King, @RoyalFamily, to know that his guest left behind fresh graves and weeping widows to come and smile for the cameras,” he added.

Highlighting the human cost of the attacks, Atiku delivered a strong rebuke of the government’s handling of insecurity.

“A mother in Maiduguri is not asking for press releases. She is asking why her child was blown apart in a place the government claimed was ‘liberated,’” he said.

“Bola Tinubu claims he sent ‘marching orders.’ The terrorists sent suicide bombers. Nigerians can see who is winning.”

“A government that treats funerals as routine and criticism as treason has lost the moral authority to lead,” he added.

“You cannot campaign for 2027 on the graves of the people you failed to protect in 2026.”

Meanwhile, the police have confirmed the incidents, stating that investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the attacks.

The latest violence has heightened concerns over a possible resurgence of insurgency in the North-East, with calls growing for decisive and effective action to safeguard lives and property.