A citizens’ advocacy group, Citizens for Secure Nation (CSN), has criticised the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for what it termed “provocative and opportunistic” comments on Nigeria’s worsening security situation.
In a statement released on Thursday in Kaduna, CSN accused the opposition party of attempting to exploit national anxieties and the grief of bereaved families to score political points instead of contributing constructively to ongoing security reforms.
President of the group, Alhaji Musa Danladi Maikawa, said the ADC’s recent commentary appeared designed to weaken public confidence in ongoing military and intelligence operations, while portraying the federal government as complicit in the attacks ravaging several communities.
According to him, the party crossed a “dangerous line” by issuing broad and unsubstantiated claims, insisting that discussions around national security must be based on verified facts and the collective interest.
Maikawa acknowledged the legitimate concerns of Nigerians affected by banditry, kidnapping, and the crisis of school safety, but stressed that political actors must avoid statements capable of heightening tension or undermining already overstretched security agencies.
“We cannot permit any political group to manipulate the sorrow of grieving families for partisan gain,” he said. “This is a fragile moment for the country. What is needed is calm, constructive input — not rhetoric that diminishes the morale of security personnel who are risking their lives daily.”
He argued that the ADC’s assessment of recent rescue operations failed to recognise the intensified coordination among the military, police, and intelligence units across different fronts.
CSN warned that insinuations of conspiracy or government complicity were not only baseless but could erode community cooperation with security forces — a critical factor in tackling violent groups.
READ ALSO: Trump’s Threats Exposes Tinubu’s Failure on Insecurity, Says ADC
“There is absolutely no justification for framing security agencies as collaborators with terrorists,” Maikawa said. “This kind of talk fuels distrust and gives ammunition to extremist propaganda, especially when such claims lack verifiable evidence.”
He also dismissed the ADC’s criticism of temporary school closures in high-risk areas, noting that the decisions followed joint evaluations by security and education authorities.
According to him, both federal and state governments are rolling out a phased reinforcement plan to secure vulnerable schools ahead of reopening.
“It is misleading to claim the government is capitulating to terrorists simply because precautionary measures are taken,” Maikawa stated. “Globally, authorities close facilities when credible threats emerge. What matters is that these steps are temporary, and security measures are being strengthened.”
CSN urged political parties, particularly those in opposition, to show restraint and put national interest above partisanship when issuing public statements on security matters.
Maikawa reiterated that Nigeria’s battle against armed groups requires unity, responsible communication, and collaborative intelligence efforts — not incendiary statements that distort the complexity of security operations.
He added that the coalition will continue to track public comments from political figures and challenge narratives that breed fear or misrepresent ongoing efforts to stabilise affected regions.