NNPP chieftain, Buba Galadima, has sharply criticised the Federal Government’s handling of insecurity, insisting that Nigeria’s current approach lacks the intelligence, technology and seriousness required to end terrorism.
Galadima spoke during an interview with AIT, where he questioned the government’s frequent call for rapid recruitment of more police personnel. According to him, this has contributed to public confusion about the government’s actual strategy.
He said, “Why do you need more boots on the ground? This issue is not about flexing muscles. It is about knowledge, technology and intelligence. The government has to be serious,” he stated.
He cited former President Goodluck Jonathan’s last-minute gains against Boko Haram as an example of decisive action.
“Jonathan within six weeks almost obliterated Boko Haram before the elections of 2015,” he said.
Galadima criticised the government for failing to deploy advanced surveillance tools, despite evidence that insurgents possess sophisticated monitoring gadgets. Referring to the killing of Brigadier General Musa Oba, he said,
“We were told on social media that one boy said he was speaking to the commander of those who arrested the Brigadier General, and said that in front of them they see the whole of Sambisa Forest. If terrorists can have such a gadget, what stops the Nigerian government, even using satellite, to pick them?”
He condemned what he described as wasteful spending on security. “Over one trillion naira budgeted… what is the need? It’s like a waste,” he said.
“When you hire contractors, you tell them what to do. Clear this area and hand over to us. You don’t need any effort. You don’t need to lose any life. They will do it.”
Galadima insisted that Nigerians only want peace, regardless of who delivers it.
“All we need is peace. We don’t care who brings about that peace. And it has to be the use of technology,” he said.
Responding to questions about U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comments on Nigeria, Galadima cautioned against dismissing the American leader.
He said, “Don’t disregard Trump. What Trump is doing is that he’s rattling them. Trump is a transactional leader. He’s jealous that China and France are friends of this government. So he wants to have a piece of the cake.”
He expressed fear that the government could panic under Trump’s pressure.
“My fear is that out of fear they can cede the whole of Nigeria to Trump,” he warned.
Galadima, however, predicted that Trump would not launch any attack. “Trump will not strike. You will soon see. Whenever you see Trump clapping for this government, he has milked us dry,” he added.
He stressed that his concern stems from patriotism. “Nigeria is so dear to me,” he said.