Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, Labour Party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, has faulted President Bola Tinubu’s nationwide security emergency, arguing that the federal government has “missed the point” in tackling insecurity.

Baba-Ahmed stated that focusing on massive recruitment of security personnel—including 20,000 new police officers—does not address the root causes of insecurity, which he identified as corruption and political interference within the security architecture.

He argued that a reformed and properly empowered police force could curb banditry and terrorism without needing additional military involvement, claiming:

“If you remove corruption and political interests, the Nigerian police can wipe out insecurity in two months.”

Baba-Ahmed also criticized Tinubu’s advisory discouraging boarding schools in rural or poorly secured areas, calling it dangerous and counterproductive. He stressed that limiting rural education would embolden criminals and hinder national growth.

The comments come amid rising banditry, mass kidnappings, and rural attacks, fueling public concern over the government’s security strategy.