By Ijeoma Agbafo
The National Chairman of the Grassroots Advocacy for Peace and Good Governance (GAPAG), Mr Muhammad Usman-Anache, has called on socio-political groups in Northern Nigeria to stop politicising insecurity and instead support efforts to restore peace across the country.
Usman-Anache, in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, criticised the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) and the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), accusing them of adopting a regional bias in their assessment of the country’s security situation. He said the current administration inherited serious security challenges and deserved recognition for progress made in tackling insecurity.
He alleged that the groups failed to acknowledge successful security operations in the North, including the rescue of the Maga schoolgirls in Kebbi State, while criticising the recent rescue of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State. According to him, such actions reflected political motives rather than a genuine concern for national security.
Usman-Anache also alleged that collaboration between some individuals and criminal elements had complicated the fight against banditry in parts of Northern Nigeria. He commended President Bola Tinubu for increasing funding for the military and defence sector, as well as recruiting more personnel to strengthen national security.
He further praised the sacrifices of security personnel and urged Nigerians to disregard attempts by any group to politicise insecurity. He also commended recent military operations, particularly in Zamfara State, where he said more than 500 bandits, including notorious leaders, were neutralised.
