society

ENOUGH OF THE PROMISES: Nigerians Demand Security, Not Speeches

Published

1 year ago

May 18, 2025

Sahara Weekly

ENOUGH OF THE PROMISES: Nigerians Demand Security, Not Speeches

By George Omagbemi Sylvester

When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu once again summoned Nigeria’s service chiefs to Aso Rock for yet another high-level security meeting, Nigerians collectively sighed not with relief, but with exhaustion. We have been here too many times before. The statements are recycled. The directives sound familiar. The assurances ring hollow.

This is not leadership; it is theatre.

The tragic truth is that the Nigerian people are not just tired, they are angry, disillusioned and traumatized. They are tired of being the collateral damage in a war their government pretends to be fighting. They are tired of being promised security while bandits roam free, terrorists regroup and kidnappers demand ransoms without consequence. The real crisis is not just the violence; it is the normalization of that violence.

The Grim State of Insecurity: A Nation Under Siege

Between 2015 and 2024, Nigeria has recorded over 63,000 conflict-related deaths, according to the Council on Foreign Relations’ Nigeria Security Tracker (NST). In 2023 alone, over 4,800 Nigerians were killed in violent incidents, while more than 3,600 were kidnapped. States like Zamfara, Kaduna, Plateau, Borno, Niger and Benue have become synonymous with bloodshed. From Boko Haram insurgents in the Northeast to bandits in the Northwest, to killer herdsmen in the Middle Belt and separatist agitators in the Southeast, the entire federation is under siege.

Rural communities have been abandoned. Highways have become death traps. Urban centers are no longer safe. Nigerians live in fear not because they are weak, but because their leaders have failed to make safety a priority.

Presidential Promises Are Not Bulletproof Vests

President Tinubu came into power with promises of security reform. On May 29, 2023, during his inauguration, he boldly declared that “security shall be the top priority of our administration because neither prosperity nor justice can prevail amidst insecurity and violence.” Yet, as of May 2025, that promise remains largely unfulfilled.

Yes, the president meets with service chiefs. Yes, there are occasional “military successes” trumpeted by the state media. But these are mere tokens in a crisis that requires transformation not tweaking.

You cannot bomb terrorism out of existence while corruption is left intact. Security is not merely about bullets and battalions; it is about intelligence, accountability, justice and trust. It is about rooting out the rot in the system that allows terrorists to be released from jail, while victims receive shallow condolences.

Empty Meetings, Empty Results
Every time there is a mass abduction, a military ambush, or a deadly attack on civilians, the federal government reacts the same way:

A security meeting is convened.

The President is “briefed.”

Service chiefs are “directed” to “intensify efforts.”

The same faces appear in the same photos.

Nothing changes.

These meetings are not solutions, they are distractions. They offer optics, not outcomes.

How many Nigerians must die before action is taken? How many villages must be razed before strategies become realities? How many schoolchildren must be kidnapped before the government sees the urgency that citizens feel every single day?

As Chinua Achebe once warned, “A man who brings home ant-infested firewood should not be surprised when lizards start to visit.” Our leaders have invited chaos by tolerating impunity. And now, Nigeria is crawling with lizards of lawlessness.

A Deafening Silence on Accountability
Nigeria’s political elite have mastered the art of talking without saying anything. They issue statements without solutions, sympathize without sincerity and govern without results.

Why, for instance, has no service chief ever resigned or been dismissed for gross security failures? In civilized democracies, such dereliction would trigger resignations, probes and prosecutions. In Nigeria, it earns a promotion or a national award.

In the words of Professor Wole Soyinka, “Only in Nigeria do criminals get rewarded while victims are forgotten.”

This culture of impunity must end. If the military hierarchy cannot secure Nigeria, then it is time for a national overhaul not another presidential handshake.

The Economic Cost of Insecurity
Beyond the human toll, insecurity is decimating Nigeria’s economy. According to the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), the country loses over $10 billion annually due to conflict-related disruptions. Farmers cannot access their land due to fear of attacks, which has worsened the food crisis and driven inflation to an alarming 33.2% as of April 2025.

Foreign investors flee at the first hint of instability. Tourism is virtually nonexistent. Domestic businesses relocate or shut down. The World Bank notes that insecurity has become one of the top three obstacles to Nigeria’s economic growth, alongside corruption and poor infrastructure.

A nation without security is a nation without a future.

2025 Is Halfway Through: Why Only Excuses?
It has been nearly two full years since this administration took office. Nigerians are not unreasonably impatient they are rationally demanding results. The APC government has exhausted its grace period.

No more “renewed hope” slogans. No more speeches about “resilience” and “commitment.” Nigerians are not a people who need to be told to endure. They need a government that knows how to act.

As the popular street saying goes: “Na security we wan chop?” No. But without security, no one can chop.

What Must Be Done?

If the Tinubu administration truly desires to end this cycle of bloodshed, it must take the following concrete actions:

Reshuffle and professionalize the military leadership. Promotion must be based on performance not political loyalty.

Invest in local intelligence and surveillance technology. Drones, satellite monitoring and community-based intelligence must be prioritized.

Strengthen state policing frameworks. Centralized policing has failed. Each state must be allowed to manage its own internal security with federal collaboration.

Prosecute collaborators and financiers of terrorism. Enough of the hidden sponsors; name and shame them.

Ensure victims get justice and compensation. Healing starts with acknowledgment.

Quotes to Remember

Nelson Mandela: “Safety and security don’t just happen; they are the result of collective consensus and public investment.”

Barack Obama: “Security and opportunity are two sides of the same coin.”

Thomas Jefferson: “The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.”

But what use is vigilance when those at the top are asleep?

Let the Bullets Stop. Let the Lies End.
Nigerians are not asking for miracles. They are demanding what every responsible government should provide: the right to life, peace and liberty. If this administration cannot guarantee that, then history will judge it harshly not for what it promised, but for what it failed to deliver.

Let the bullets stop. Let the bloodshed end. Let results speak louder than rhetoric.

Nigeria deserves peace. And Nigerians demand nothing less.

society

Police Officers Detained as Family Property Dispute Sparks Demolition Controversy in Lagos

Published

2 days ago

June 2, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Police Officers Detained as Family Property Dispute Sparks Demolition Controversy in Lagos

By Ifeoma Ikem

A property dispute within the Omotayo-Ojo family has taken a dramatic turn following a controversial demolition exercise at a residential building in Ikosi-Ketu, Lagos State, which reportedly left tenants displaced and led to the detention of some police officers allegedly involved in the operation.

The property, located at 23B Loveall Street, Ikosi-Ketu, has been the subject of a prolonged ownership tussle since the death of its owner, Chief Oludola Omotayo Ojo, the Babaalaje of Imesi-Ile, Osun State, in 2019.
Residents said tension erupted when a group of individuals, accompanied by security operatives, stormed the premises and commenced demolition activities.

According to eyewitnesses, portions of the building were pulled down while tenants rushed to salvage their belongings from affected apartments.

The residents alleged that windows, doors and roofing sheets were damaged during the exercise, exposing parts of the building to the elements and causing significant losses to occupants.

At the centre of the dispute is Mrs Mojisola Omotayo Ojo Alolagbe, who claimed that the property was allocated to her by her late father during his lifetime as a source of financial support.

She alleged that some family members had persistently challenged her ownership claim despite ongoing legal proceedings relating to the administration of the deceased’s estate.
Alolagbe further claimed that the latest incident was part of a series of attempts to wrest control of the property, citing previous cases of alleged vandalism and partial demolition in November 2025, January 2026 and February 2026.

The situation escalated further when reports emerged that police officers allegedly involved in the demolition were later apprehended and conveyed in a Black Maria vehicle over questions surrounding the legality of their participation in the operation.

Sources familiar with the matter said those behind the demolition had initially claimed to be acting on approval from the Lagos State Ministry of Lands. However, the authenticity and extent of such approval could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.

The development has generated concern among residents and community members, who questioned the involvement of security personnel in what they described as a civil matter.

Some tenants, who said they had recently renewed their tenancy agreements, lamented the destruction of their property and appealed to the authorities for protection and possible compensation.

They also called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the demolition, insisting that the rights of all parties involved should be protected.
Stakeholders have urged the Lagos State Government, security agencies and the judiciary to intervene and ensure that the dispute is resolved through lawful means to prevent further escalation.

The controversy has continued to draw public attention, raising concerns over property rights, estate administration and the role of law enforcement agencies in civil disputes.

society

UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin

Published

5 days ago

May 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin.

May 30, 2026 – As the month of June gathers momentum, the *United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA*, a sovereign nation has unveiled a series of vital guidelines and preparatory packages to ensure citizens and stakeholders run the *ATC Exchangeability* process effectively.

In an official update, the *President of Atlantic Crown Limited, Empress of Attica Empire UKA*, confirmed that the *Final Test Run of ATC Exchangeability* is scheduled for the month of June 2026. The exercise marks a key phase ahead of the *Official Exchangeability Window, set to run from July 2026 to February 2027*.

### Key Highlights from the Presidential Briefing
1. *Final Test Run – June 2026*
The test run is designed to validate systems, procedures, and user readiness before full activation. Citizens, partners, and designated participants are urged to follow all official advisories released by UKA authorities during this period.

2. *Official Exchangeability Period*
Following the successful completion of the June test run, the Official Exchangeability will commence in july 2026 and we are Expecting Full Exchange ability between July Ending, 2026 to February 2026.

UKA stated that detailed schedules, eligibility requirements, and step-by-step instructions will be communicated progressively through verified UKA channels.

3. *Benefiting Packages for June*
In line with UKA’s commitment to citizen empowerment, the month of June will feature “benefiting packages” aimed at education, preparation, and seamless onboarding. These packages are intended to equip the people of UKA with the knowledge and tools needed for effective participation.

4. *Commitment to Transparency*
Addressing the nation, the Empress of Attica Empire UKA emphasized:
_“Final Test Run of ATC Comes up in The Month of June, As We Prepare For The Official Exchangeability, Between July 2026 To Feb 2027. All Information Will Be Communicated.”_
UKA reaffirmed that only information released through official UKA platforms should be regarded as authoritative.

The United Kingdom of Atlantis is encouraging all citizens, representatives, and interested parties to remain alert to official communications, attend designated orientation sessions, and avoid unofficial sources. UKA’s dedication to order, clarity, and the collective benefit of its people as the nation moves into this significant phase.

For updates, advisories, and participation guidelines, citizens are advised to monitor official UKA communication channels.

United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA, is a sovereign nation, committed to national development, citizen welfare, and structured economic participation through initiatives such as ATC Exchangeability.

society

Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements

Published

5 days ago

May 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as bold economic reforms and improved security efforts as the President marks three years in office.

In a goodwill message on Thursday to commemorate Tinubu’s third anniversary as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Buratai said the administration had taken courageous decisions that would leave a lasting impact on Nigeria’s development.

According to him, President Tinubu broke a long-standing cycle that had hindered national growth by removing fuel subsidy and implementing foreign exchange reforms aimed at stabilising the naira and strengthening the economy.

He noted that the reforms were beginning to yield positive results, citing the global acceptance of Nigerian debit cards, the gradual revival of local refineries, access to student loans, and ongoing road and infrastructure projects across the country.

“The FCT Administration has also recorded remarkable progress, completing major road projects that remained unfinished for over 16 years,” Buratai stated.

The former army chief also praised the administration’s security efforts, saying renewed military offensives against insurgents, terrorists and bandits had led to notable successes across various parts of the country.

He specifically lauded recent joint operations involving Nigerian and United States forces against Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East, as well as intensified counter-banditry operations in the North-West.

“We have seen notorious ISWAP commanders being neutralised. I congratulate the Commander-in-Chief, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and heads of intelligence agencies for their efforts,” he said.

Buratai, however, acknowledged that challenges remained, stressing the need for more aggressive military operations and intelligence-driven strategies in the coming year.

While urging Nigerians to remain hopeful, he said celebrating the President’s achievements did not amount to ignoring the difficulties facing the nation.

“Because you truly care, you have shown the courage to trade short-term comfort for long-term hope. Nigerians need your reassurances, and that is why we remain optimistic and full of confidence,” he added.

The retired military officer reaffirmed his support for the Tinubu administration and expressed confidence that the foundation being laid by the government would deliver a brighter future for the country.

He also prayed for God’s guidance, wisdom, strength and good health for the President as he continues to lead Nigeria.