The Indigenous Ethnic Youth Leaders of Nigeria has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently review the nation’s security architecture and order a probe into top government officials accused of complacency in the fight against terrorism.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Comrade Gonet Nensok, and Acting Publicity Secretary, Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, on Friday, the group alleged that the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, had questions to answer over their roles in the worsening insecurity.
The group cited recent claims by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who appeared on Channels Television on 31 August 2025, accusing the NSA of paying bandits under the guise of a “non-kinetic approach.”
“Such allegations from a former governor who once served as a Chief Security Officer of a state should not be dismissed,” the statement read.
According to the youth leaders, the boldness with which bandits now terrorise communities suggests that some government officials might be “pampering and rewarding” them.
They also raised concerns over Matawalle’s alleged “complacency and romance with bandits” in Zamfara State, insisting that President Tinubu must not retain any official facing weighty accusations of abetting terrorism.
The group further urged the President to investigate a video circulating on social media, which purportedly linked Senator Shehu Buba of Bauchi South with aiding terrorists.
“It is disturbing that those entrusted with securing Nigerians are being accused of complicity in insecurity. This calls for decisive presidential action,” the statement said.
While commending the gallantry of the armed forces, the Indigenous leaders insisted that only a forensic probe into the allegations could restore public confidence.
“Our people are dying daily. Those who should protect them must not be seen empowering their killers,” the group added.
