Atiku Alleges Withheld Security Funds Behind 17,000 Deaths in Three Years

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the Federal Government of withholding funds appropriated for security, alleging that the failure to release the money contributed to the deaths of more than 17,000 Nigerians since President Bola Tinubu assumed office. He said recent comments by Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) validated long-standing concerns raised by the opposition about the management of security funds.

In a statement issued through his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku argued that Senator Monguno's remarks raised serious constitutional and governance questions over the implementation of approved budgets. He maintained that the issue was no longer merely an opposition allegation, insisting that it had now been acknowledged by a prominent member of the ruling party.

The former vice president questioned how security agencies could effectively combat terrorism, banditry and kidnapping if funds approved by the National Assembly were allegedly not being released. He claimed that the reported withholding of security allocations had weakened the capacity of security forces at a time when violent attacks across the country remained a major concern.

Atiku further alleged that independent conflict monitors had recorded more than 17,000 deaths from violent attacks over the past three years. He criticised the Tinubu administration's handling of insecurity and called for greater transparency and accountability in the management of public funds allocated to national security.

He also pledged that, if elected in 2027, his administration would ensure the timely release of security appropriations, strengthen intelligence-led policing and improve oversight of security spending to better address the country's security challenges.