Insecurity Not Worsening in Nigeria, Insists Tinubu’s Aide Daniel Bwala

In a recent appearance on Al Jazeera’s ‘Head to Head’ programme with journalist Mehdi Hasan, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, strongly asserted that the security situation in Nigeria is not deteriorating. Instead, Bwala emphasized the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment and ongoing efforts to contain the country’s security challenges.

Acknowledging Challenges, Denying Decline

Addressing a global audience from Conway Hall in London, Bwala conceded the existence of insecurity in Nigeria but firmly pushed back against the narrative that it is worsening. He highlighted that the current administration experienced a period of ‘substantial peace’ in its initial two years, noting a shift only ‘until the hoax narrative of the ‘Christians genocide’’ began to circulate, which he implied correlated with a rise in attacks.

“I acknowledge the fact that we have insecurity in Nigeria, and until the hoax narrative of the ‘Christians genocide,’ we began to see back-to-back attacks in the country. For the first two years of the present administration, we experienced substantial peace in Nigeria,” Bwala stated.

A Global Phenomenon: No Country Immune

Bwala contextualized Nigeria’s security issues within a broader global framework, reminding his audience that security threats are not unique to Nigeria. “There is no country in the world today that is completely free from insecurity. There are parts of London where you cannot go in the evening,” he remarked, drawing parallels to illustrate the pervasive nature of security concerns worldwide.

International Cooperation Against Terrorism

Responding to queries about renewed terrorist activities, Bwala detailed Nigeria’s proactive engagement with international partners. He cited President Tinubu’s visit to Turkey, which resulted in a bilateral agreement to tackle insecurity, and ongoing cooperation with the United States and other nations. This collaborative approach, he explained, stems from the understanding that “since 9/11, terrorism has been a global phenomenon, and every country is involved in it.”

Challenging Western Media Narratives

Bwala also took aim at what he perceives as a negative portrayal of Nigeria and Africa by Western media. Using the metaphor of a glass of water, he suggested that while Western media might focus on it being ‘half empty,’ Nigerians often see it as ‘half full.’ He posited that the government’s ‘bold steps’ to improve the country’s trajectory were always expected to generate pushback.

Government’s Proactive Stance

To underscore the government’s effectiveness, Bwala highlighted significant actions taken against terrorism. He recalled the arrest of leaders from groups like Boko Haram and Lakurawa, and the elimination of numerous terrorists, efforts which he noted had earned commendation from the US State Department and Embassy, even predating specific comments by Donald Trump on Nigerian insecurity. He also mentioned that a national emergency on insecurity was declared around April or May 2023 (likely a typo in the original text, meant for 2023 rather than 2025), six months before Trump’s statement.

Addressing Kidnapping and Safe Schools

Acknowledging the rise in kidnappings, Bwala candidly described it as a ‘crisis economy’ and a ‘complex, hydra-headed problem’ given Nigeria’s vast geography. However, he reaffirmed the government’s dedicated efforts to combat this criminal enterprise. Furthermore, he addressed the specific issue of schoolchildren abductions by referencing the ‘Safe Schools Initiative,’ through which students are relocated from remote, vulnerable areas to state capitals to ensure their safety and access to education.

In conclusion, Daniel Bwala’s robust defense of the Nigerian government’s efforts paints a picture of a nation actively confronting complex security challenges with a combination of internal strategies and international partnerships, while also seeking to manage global perceptions.

Source: Original Article