Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Tinubu to focus on tackling Nigeria’s worsening security challenges instead of concentrating on preparations for the 2027 general election, following the rescue of abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
In a statement issued on Friday, Atiku acknowledged the successful operation that secured the victims’ freedom but argued that the rescue should not distract attention from the broader security crisis confronting the country. He maintained that the recurring abduction of schoolchildren and attacks on communities require stronger and more sustained government action.
The former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate said Nigerians expected the President to personally address the nation after the rescue operation, alongside the country’s security chiefs, to explain how the mission was carried out, commend the personnel involved and reassure families whose loved ones are still in captivity.
“What Nigerians expected was to see a commander-in-chief leading from the front.”
Atiku further argued that a direct address would have demonstrated national leadership and reinforced public confidence in the government’s commitment to defeating criminal groups responsible for kidnappings and terrorism.
“The President ought to have immediately addressed the nation alongside his defence chiefs.”
He also cautioned against what he described as premature political calculations ahead of the next election, insisting that restoring security should remain the Federal Government’s foremost responsibility.
According to Atiku, citizens expect concrete measures to prevent future attacks on schools rather than celebrations after successful rescue operations. He stressed that the continued targeting of educational institutions shows that more work is needed to protect vulnerable communities across the country.
The comments came shortly after the Presidency announced that all the abducted pupils and teachers had been rescued following a coordinated security operation. Government officials disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested while several others were killed during the mission, which ended more than seven weeks of captivity for the victims.
School abductions have remained a major security concern in Nigeria in recent years, prompting repeated calls from political leaders, civil society organisations and education advocates for stronger protection of schools and improved intelligence gathering. Analysts say the latest exchange between Atiku and the Presidency highlights the growing political debate over how best to address insecurity as attention gradually shifts towards the 2027 elections.
