The horrific killing of more than a hundred people in Plateau State about seven months into President Bola Tinubu’s presidency called into doubt the security pledges made by the leader.
Approximately twenty Plateau settlements were targeted by the attackers, who ultimately left behind bodies and blood in their wake.
The killing on the Plateau took place a few months after the Tundun Biri event, in which the Nigerian Army bombed civilians, resulting in over 126 confirmed deaths.
The Renewed Hope Agenda, President Tinubu’s manifesto, and the pledges he made during his campaign.
Demilitarizing the organizations in charge of the military sector was among President Tinubu’s initial moves.
In addition to designating Nuhu Ribadu as National Security Advisor—a position tasked with intelligence collecting and coordination—he also named two civilians to the position of Minister of Defense: Abubakar Badaru and Bello Matawalle.
That being said, murders have continued. The Nigeria Security Tracker (NST) maintained by the Council on Foreign Relations shows that in the first forty-five days of Tinubu’s administration, 587 persons were killed by non-state actors.
Following the Plateau massacre, Tinubu’s 2014 tweet criticizing the Goodluck Jonathan administration’s handling of security matters also reappeared on social media.
“The deaths in Yanyan break my heart for our people and the nation. After the Nyanyan bombing in 2014, Mr. Tinubu stated, “A government unable to protect its citizens deserves to be queried.”
Tinubu’s assurances about safety
In his inaugural speech, Mr. Tinubu said, “Most importantly, I will give utmost priority to extinguishing terrorists and violent criminals.” Jos is the capital of Plateau State.
“These evil forces seek to destroy our democratic way of life,” the speaker continued. For them, I have some news. Their poisonous way of life will be defeated by us. They will be completely destroyed and exterminated from our land.
“Killing and kidnapping will end,” stated Mr. Tinubu during a campaign trip in Adamawa State. As he spoke, the audience applauded.
He went on to include some particular commitments on putting an end to insecurity on the Renewed Hope platform. Examining the manifesto reveals that many of the promises made by President Tinubu have not yet been fulfilled.
Local Law Enforcement
He pledged in the manifesto to create state police tailored to each state’s unique needs.
In order to establish state police, the then-candidate pledged to collaborate with the National Assembly and the states.
“Our government will enact the necessary measures to secure and protect communities from criminal violence, particularly kidnapping and terrorism, in close cooperation with State Governments and the National Assembly.”
“These policies will be adaptable and flexible to meet the unique needs and circumstances of the local community. In certain cases, it may be necessary to create or strengthen volunteer neighborhood watch programs. Others might demand the creation of more official, regionally oriented law enforcement organizations,” he stated.
As promised, Tinubu has not yet sent any executive bills on state or community police to the National Assembly.
Using intelligence in combat
President Tinubu also said in the platform that his government will employ proactive crime prevention strategies and the utilization of intelligence in combat.
He declared, “To adequately address the nation’s security threats, we shall adopt a proactive and intelligence-driven security approach.”
In a motion he made on the House floor, Representative Umar Ajilo said that the administration has not been using intelligence in its security operations.
In his motion on the House floor, Ajilo stated, “This particular incident and many similar incidents in the past that have been widely tagged as ‘operational mistakes’ by the military have exposed the level of intelligence failure in military operations.”
Establishing a counterterrorism battalion
In addition, the President pledged to create “Anti-terror battalions” whose goal would be to eradicate bandits, terrorists, and kidnappers.
He said that special forces troops would be part of the battalions.
“Anti-Terrorist Battalions: Special forces units will be integrated with highly trained and disciplined anti-terrorist battalions (ABATTS).” Part of the manifesto states, “Terrorists, kidnappers, and bandits shall have no respite as they aim to seize the strategic and tactical initiative.”
police being taken off of VIP duty
The removal of cops from VIP work so they can concentrate on security is another assurance regarding security.
The transfer of these responsibilities to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) was President Tinubu’s pledge. But even after seven months, Nigerians continue to notice cops surrounding VIPs.
“Police officers would no longer have to do unnecessary tasks like guard and VIP security. He promised that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) would take over the responsibility for VIP security as well as the protection of government buildings, installations, and other vital assets.
The majority of such promises have not been fulfilled, according to a thorough examination of the current administration’s actions.