Insecurity: Baba-Ahmed Blasts Tinubu Over Killings, Kidnappings Across Northern Nigeria
Chukwu Obinna 
Hakeem Baba Ahmed
ABUJA, Nigeria – Former Northern Elders Forum spokesperson Hakeem Baba-Ahmed sharply criticises President Bola Tinubu, accusing the government of becoming “desensitised” to widespread killings and kidnappings across northern Nigeria.
Speaking Monday on Trust TV, Baba-Ahmed says the administration relies too heavily on official statements while communities continue to suffer deadly attacks.
“It would appear that we have become so desensitised to killings in the North-West, North-Central and North-East,” he says during the broadcast.
The veteran political figure highlights recent violence in Borno State, warning that the country is losing more lives than it might in conventional warfare.
“We are losing more people than we would if we’re in a war,” Baba-Ahmed says.
He directly challenges the president to urgently overhaul the country’s security strategy.
“Mr President, do something. We’re looking up to you to stop the bleeding,” he says.
Nigeria’s security situation remains fragile in early 2026, with overlapping threats from Boko Haram, jihadist factions and organised kidnapping networks.
Security analysts report more than 1,200 fatalities within the first six weeks of the year, with millions displaced by ongoing violence.
The continued insecurity has also placed pressure on programmes such as the Safe Schools Initiative, as attacks increasingly target rural communities and educational institutions.
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Mirian Gom 
Otamere Gladness 
Hussaini Ibrahim