Nigeria’s former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of failing to release security funds approved by the National Assembly, claiming the alleged withholding of the money has contributed to the deaths of more than 17,000 Nigerians over the past three years.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said recent remarks by Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) supported concerns long raised by the opposition over the government’s handling of security funding.
According to Atiku, independent conflict monitoring groups estimate that more than 17,000 Nigerians have been killed since the current administration took office, while thousands of others have been kidnapped by terrorists, bandits and other armed criminal groups.
He argued that these deaths represent not just statistics but thousands of families that have lost loved ones to violence across different parts of the country.
The former vice president said Senator Monguno’s comments raised important constitutional and governance questions about why approved budgets were allegedly not fully implemented, why some public funds were reportedly being withheld instead of being distributed as required, and why security agencies had allegedly not received critical capital funding despite the country’s worsening security challenges.
Atiku maintained that if security agencies are denied the financial resources approved for acquiring equipment, strengthening intelligence gathering, improving logistics and supporting operations, the government must accept responsibility for the consequences.
He also criticized President Tinubu’s response to insecurity, arguing that Nigeria requires stronger preventive measures rather than expressions of sympathy after attacks have already occurred.
Looking ahead, Atiku said an administration under his leadership would prioritize the prompt release of security funds approved by law, strengthen intelligence-led policing, deploy modern surveillance technology, improve border security, enhance cooperation among security agencies, better equip security personnel and establish community-based early warning systems aimed at preventing attacks before they happen.
The allegations come as insecurity remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing national challenges, with armed attacks, kidnappings and banditry continuing to affect communities across several regions. The federal government has consistently stated that it is working to improve the country’s security situation, although concerns over funding, coordination and implementation continue to feature in public debate.
