The Northern Elders Forum (NEF), on Tuesday, condemned the latest wave of deadly attacks in Zamfara and Kaduna states, warning that the killings underscore the need for intensified security operations despite recent international recognition of Nigeria’s progress in the fight against terrorism and insecurity.

The forum’s reaction follows recent praise by United States President Donald Trump for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership in tackling terrorism and insecurity. In a letter to Tinubu, Trump commended the administration’s security efforts and reaffirmed U.S. support for Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and violent extremism.

Reacting to the development in an exclusive interview with The Guardian, NEF spokesperson, Prof. Abubakar Jiddere, described the Zamfara attack as evidence that insecurity had become entrenched due to what he called the government’s failure to act decisively.

However, fresh attacks in northern Nigeria have renewed concerns over the country’s security situation, with no fewer than 23 farmers reportedly killed by armed bandits in Sauna District of Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State, while another attack in Naridon village (Kizakoro), Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, claimed at least 30 lives.

According to reports, the attackers stormed the community, opened fire indiscriminately on residents and set houses and shops ablaze, leaving several children and elderly persons among the dead.

Jiddere also questioned Trump’s assessment of Nigeria’s security situation, insisting that there had been “no improvement whatsoever” and that conditions were deteriorating.

He also asked why attackers are seldom apprehended despite being well known, alleging that the government has failed to show sufficient commitment to protecting lives.

Jiddere said: “You see, this has become almost a permanent thing in this country because the government has not done enough. These attackers know that the government will probably do nothing, so they have a field day.

“Everything that is happening is a failure of the authorities to tackle insecurity. If the government had declared a state of emergency on security and put in place all the necessary measures, as we have been recommending, this would have reduced dramatically. But as it is, insecurity in Nigeria is now being treated as if it were normal.

“That is completely a failure of the government. Purely a failure. It is a sign of the government’s complete failure. That’s my reaction. Does Donald Trump know what is really happening in Nigeria? He only knows what he is briefed on.

“Wasn’t he the one who once said there was genocide in Nigeria and that he would send troops to defend Christians? Has he done that? Has he contributed in any way?

“People can say whatever they like, but the reality on the ground is different. Everybody knows there has been no improvement whatsoever in the area of security in Nigeria. Things are deteriorating every day, and people are completely tired of insecurity.”

While acknowledging efforts by northern governors to coordinate regional security responses, Jiddere said responsibility for the military, police, Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies rests with the Federal Government.

The forum described the attacks as horrific acts of violence against law-abiding citizens and urged the Federal Government to adopt more decisive measures to protect lives and restore confidence in the nation’s security architecture.

Jiddere added, “The northern governors have done well, and the discussion around state police is another positive step, if it is implemented properly. But the real question is this: Why do these attacks keep happening, yet nobody is arrested? Nobody is detained. We don’t hear of the perpetrators being apprehended or neutralized.

“Yet if someone criticizes the President or another top government official, the person can be arrested the next day. These bandits and insurgents make video calls. Everybody knows that the security agencies have the capacity to track them. It is simply that the government has decided not to act. It has shown little concern for the lives of Nigerians.

“Everybody knows the impact. We have issued more than 10 press statements on this, and you journalists have all of them. We clearly outlined the effects and recommended that the government declare a state of emergency on security. We also explained what should be done after such a declaration.

“We have addressed these issues repeatedly. As journalists, you are supposed to carry out investigative journalism and critical analysis. We have already presented all these facts in the past. Which international community does not already know what is happening in Nigeria? Everybody knows the situation. The whole world is aware.

“Do you expect someone from outside to come and solve Nigeria’s problems? When you have the capacity to solve your own problems internally, why expect outsiders to do it? That would amount to a complete failure.” (The Guardian)

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