The Citizens for Secure Nation (CSN), a pro-citizens advocacy group, has condemned the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for what it described as opportunistic and inflammatory remarks on Nigeria’s security situation.

In a statement issued in Kaduna on Thursday, CSN accused the opposition party of exploiting the grief of victims’ families and the anxieties of citizens to score political points rather than contribute constructively to national security reforms.

CSN President Alhaji Musa Danladi Maikawa said the ADC’s comments risk undermining public confidence in ongoing security operations and unfairly portray the federal government as complicit in the violence affecting some communities.

“Public discourse on security must be anchored on facts and national interest. No political actor should inflame tensions or erode trust in institutions while security agencies are working tirelessly to stabilise affected regions,” Maikawa said.

He criticised the ADC’s sweeping allegations, stressing that rescue operations by the military, police, and intelligence services have been coordinated across multiple theatres. He warned that portraying government efforts as conspiratorial is dangerous and could discourage local cooperation with authorities.

On school closures, Maikawa defended government actions as temporary safety measures taken after careful assessments by security and education authorities in high-risk areas. “It is irresponsible to suggest the government is surrendering to terrorists. Safety precautions are standard practice worldwide when credible threats arise,” he added.

CSN urged opposition parties to demonstrate patriotic responsibility and channel their energy into supporting reforms, enhancing community-security collaboration, and proposing solutions that protect citizens.

“The lives of Nigerians should never be used as political currency. We will continue to monitor public statements and challenge narratives that deepen fear or misrepresent the complexity of security efforts,” Maikawa concluded.