The 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has launched a scathing criticism against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the worsening security situation in Nigeria. Adebayo asserted that the President has completely lost control of his administration and is merely "playing around" while citizens suffer from continuous violent attacks.
Government Complicity in Bandit Operations
During an explosive interview on Channels Television on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, Adebayo made startling allegations about the nature of Nigeria's security challenges. He claimed that bandits and terrorists receive active cooperation from individuals within the government, enabling their criminal activities to persist across the country.
"The first enemy of government is government, the first enemy of the people is government," Adebayo stated emphatically. "You cannot commit a crime and last one week, one month if you don't have government people cooperating with you."
Recent Wave of Attacks Across Multiple States
The politician's comments come amid a disturbing surge in violent incidents nationwide. Recent reports confirm that bandits have attacked schools in both Kebbi and Niger states, creating panic among educational institutions and parents alike. In a separate incident, worshippers at a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Kwara state fell victim to similar attacks.
In Borno State, the situation appears even more dire as Islamic State in West African Province (ISWAP) terrorists have abducted 13 teenage female farmers. Family members revealed that the kidnappers have contacted them, demanding N10 million ransom for the release of the young victims.
Nigerians React to Security Failures
The growing insecurity has triggered widespread public outrage, with many citizens echoing Adebayo's concerns about government complicity. Social media platforms have become flooded with reactions from frustrated Nigerians questioning the effectiveness of security operations.
One Twitter user, @Livwitswag2, expressed skepticism about official rescue operations: "The whole kidnap and rescue mission is planned the earlier we know the better. Tell me how you contact terrorist and no arrests was made, no shootout, no nothing."
Another comment from @brotobromotivat supported Adebayo's position: "These terrorists have only lasted this long because they have the backing of top government officials and until we can fish out these bad eggs, we can't put an end to terrorism."
Police Response and Security Measures
In response to the escalating crisis, police authorities have begun implementing additional security measures. The Lagos State Police Commissioner, Olohundare Jimoh, has addressed journalists about steps being taken to protect vulnerable targets.
Adebayo emphasized that the existing police structure should be sufficient to address the security challenges if properly utilized. "He needs to put his house together, organize his government, and make sure that he knows the Police cover this country effectively because every LG in Nigeria has a police division," the SDP leader advised.
The political figure urged President Tinubu to take immediate and decisive action to reorganize his administration and restore security across Nigeria, warning that continued failure to do so would further endanger citizens and undermine national stability.
