The worsening insecurity in Nigeria is reportedly taking a toll on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with the Chief Executive struggling to get rest due to the country’s growing security challenges, a presidential aide has said.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North-West), Abdulillahi Yakassai, acknowledged the difficulties in tackling insurgency, banditry, kidnappings, and other violent crimes across several regions, particularly in the North.
“The security situation in some parts of the country has really been subdued, but there are new tactics emerging, like the one we see in Kwara State—very unfortunate. Even the president is having sleepless nights because every week you see him holding a Security Council meeting in the Presidential Villa to address this insecurity,” Yakassai said.
The aide explained that insurgents have increasingly shifted to guerrilla-style tactics, making them harder to confront. “It’s very hard to tackle. We have come from a long-standing crisis, and it has been ongoing. You can’t just blame this government for it. Some elements are against this government and are instigating insecurity to give the new administration a bad name,” he added.
Yakassai also highlighted areas where security has improved, including the corridor between Abuja and Kaduna, as well as parts of Zamfara State. “Some places where there was massive insecurity have really subsided. But they have changed tactics because it’s now guerrilla warfare. They have moved to Niger State, Kwara State, and immediately the president appointed the Inspector-General of Police, his first point of call was to Kwara State, as far as Kaiama, where these activities are happening,” he said.
Despite the challenges, the aide expressed optimism that government efforts would gradually curb the menace. “We know a lot needs to be done to curb this insecurity, but I believe with time, and if all hands are put on deck, it will continue to decline until we eliminate the insecurity situation,” Yakassai said.