Govt Can Track Critics in Minutes but Fails to Track Terrorists — Dalung

Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, has accused the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of lacking the political will to tackle Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, arguing that the government appears more focused on politics ahead of the 2027 elections than on addressing terrorism and kidnappings.

Speaking on The Morning Show on ARISE News, Dalung criticised the government’s security strategy, claiming authorities possess the capability to track and arrest critics quickly but have struggled to neutralise terrorists and criminal groups operating across the country.

According to him, the continued activities of armed groups, including kidnappings, killings, and attacks on schools and communities, raise serious questions about the effectiveness of the nation’s security response.

Dalung also dismissed recent calls for national unity against terrorism by government officials, arguing that such appeals reflect the administration’s inability to provide concrete solutions to the country’s security challenges.

He further alleged that Nigeria’s security architecture remains fragmented, with agencies operating independently rather than in a coordinated manner. According to him, terrorist groups have developed what he described as a “parallel forest economy,” allowing them to sustain their activities despite military operations.

The former minister questioned the impact of foreign military partnerships in addressing insecurity and urged the government to focus on practical solutions rather than repeated assurances.

Beyond security, Dalung expressed concern about the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that Nigeria is witnessing a return to regional political alignments similar to those of the First Republic.

He also criticised the administration’s economic performance, arguing that many Nigerians have yet to experience the benefits of ongoing reforms and continue to face rising hardship and declining living standards.

Responding during the same programme, political analyst Obafemi George defended the administration, maintaining that the government deserves more time to implement its policies and achieve long-term objectives.

George pointed to improvements in economic indicators, including a sovereign credit rating upgrade, as evidence of progress. He also argued that current security challenges are partly linked to wider instability in the Sahel region and maintained that the government has recorded notable successes in security operations.

According to him, structural reforms and national development require time, citing examples from countries that underwent lengthy transformation processes before achieving significant economic growth and stability.