Arewa youths call on Tinubu: The Arewa Youth Assembly on Thursday called on the Federal Government to urgently strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture with modern weapons, drones, and advanced intelligence systems, saying the country’s fight against insurgency and banditry requires more robust operational support.
The group made the call during a press conference in Abuja, where it also warned against the politicisation of insecurity, describing such actions as dangerous to national unity and ongoing counter-insurgency efforts.
Addressing journalists, the spokesperson for the Assembly, Mohammed Danlami, urged President Bola Tinubu to equip security agencies with sophisticated weapons, drones, improved logistics, and real-time intelligence platforms to confront criminal elements decisively.
“We urge President Bola Tinubu to give them more weapons, drones, better logistics, and real-time intelligence platforms. Let them finish the job and let them hunt down every political bandit and terrorist operating under any banner,” Danlami said.
He said it was deeply troubling that issues of national security were increasingly being turned into political talking points, especially during election cycles.
“It is deeply troubling that issues of national security are being reduced to political talking points. The loss of lives and destruction of communities should not be exploited for electoral advantage.”
Danlami added that while opposition parties have a constitutional role in holding government accountable, such engagement must remain constructive and should not weaken collective efforts to restore peace.
The youth group also called for a thorough investigation into what it described as a recurring pattern of heightened insecurity during election periods.
“This pattern raises serious questions that must not be ignored. We believe there is a need for a thorough investigation into the underlying causes of these recurring security breaches,” he said.
Fielding questions from journalists, Danlami said citizens have every right to demand protection but cautioned against turning national tragedies into political capital.
“In a civilised society, no life should be lost unnecessarily, and citizens have every right to demand protection. But turning these tragedies into political capital weakens national unity and distracts from real solutions.”
The Assembly warned that if insecurity is not effectively addressed, it could threaten governance, economic stability, and food security.
“There will be no election without Nigeria. If insecurity is allowed to spiral, it could undermine not just governance, but the very foundation of the state.”
The group, however, commended the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the service chiefs for what it described as improved coordination and operational effectiveness in recent months.
It said ending insecurity would require both improved military hardware and stronger public cooperation, stressing that national unity remains critical.
