…alleges opposition complicity

By Gift ChapiOdekina, Abuja

An Arewa-based group has alleged that the recurring surge in insecurity during election periods in Nigeria is a deliberate strategy by elements within the opposition to destabilise the country for political gain.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja, the leader of the group, Muhammed Danlami said a pattern observed over the last three election cycles indicates a consistent spike in kidnapping, banditry and coordinated attacks whenever elections approach.

“This is not coincidence, this is coordination,” the group stated, arguing that the timing of such security breaches suggests they are orchestrated to create fear, confusion and distrust among citizens.

The group further alleged that some opposition actors were complicit in sponsoring insecurity to weaken the state and discredit the government, warning that such actions pose a grave threat to national stability.

It cautioned that if the trend is not urgently addressed, Nigeria risks sliding into a combined food, economic and constitutional crisis.

“There will be no election without Nigeria. If insecurity is allowed to destroy the nation, then the very election they seek to influence will cease to exist,” the group warned.

While urging security agencies to act decisively, the group also called on political actors to prioritise national interest over personal ambition, stressing that no quest for power is worth the collapse of the country.

The group, however, commended the efforts of security and military leadership, praising the National Security Adviser and service chiefs for what it described as renewed commitment and operational successes in tackling insecurity.

It cited the rescue of kidnapped victims, dismantling of terrorist enclaves and improved intelligence sharing among security agencies as key achievements in recent months.

According to the group, the armed forces have transitioned from reactive to proactive operations, resulting in increased rescue of victims and reduced activities of terrorists.

The group passed a vote of confidence on the military leadership, urging the Federal Government to provide additional resources, including weapons, drones and intelligence support, to sustain ongoing operations.

It also acknowledged the role of the Department of State Services (DSS) in intelligence gathering, describing its contributions as critical to the fight against insecurity.

On the role of citizens and the media, the group called for vigilance and responsible reporting, urging Nigerians to report suspicious activities and support efforts to maintain national security.

Responding to questions, the group clarified that it was not against constructive criticism by the opposition but cautioned against exploiting security challenges for political advantage.

It also highlighted its contributions to tackling insecurity, including intelligence sharing and youth empowerment initiatives aimed at reducing vulnerability to recruitment by criminal elements.

The group reiterated that security should remain a collective responsibility and urged all stakeholders to work together in the interest of national unity and stability.