Outrage has followed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to the United Kingdom, with critics questioning the timing as insecurity intensifies in Borno State and other regions.
The president travelled to meet King Charles III in what officials described as a landmark state visit, the first by a Nigerian leader in nearly four decades. Accompanied by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and senior government officials, Tinubu was received with ceremony at Windsor Castle.
However, the trip came shortly after coordinated bomb attacks in Maiduguri that reportedly killed 23 people and injured over 100, triggering widespread concern. Critics, including opposition figures and security experts, argue that the president’s absence and that of key security officials during such a crisis reflects poor judgment.
The National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the timing as inappropriate, noting that leaders responsible for national security should remain in the country during emergencies. He expressed concern over what he called a lack of urgency, particularly given the scale of the attacks.
Similarly, political figure Mukhtar Adnan criticised the visit as insensitive, arguing that it signals weak commitment to addressing insecurity. He maintained that the trip should have been postponed, stressing that security must remain the government’s top priority.
Offering a more measured perspective, retired Army Captain Adamu Bokaji said while presidential presence can boost morale, long-term success depends on institutional strength, effective coordination, and sustained strategy. He described the security situation as fragile, noting that insurgents still retain the capacity to strike.
In response, the presidency condemned the attacks, describing them as desperate acts by terrorists under pressure from security forces. Tinubu directed security chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri and ordered emergency support for victims.
Vice President Kashim Shettima also visited victims, assuring continued government commitment to combating terrorism. Meanwhile, Borno Deputy Governor Umaru Kadafur said calm has returned but urged residents to remain vigilant.
