A former Deputy National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Timi Frank, has called on the United States Government to suspend intelligence sharing and security cooperation with Nigeria following recent remarks attributed to Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi on banditry and terrorism.
Frank made the call in a statement on Tuesday, while reacting to the comments credited to Gumi suggesting that Nigerian authorities may know the identities and locations of bandits raise important questions about the country’s security situation.
Gumi had in an interview with DRTV stated that dialogue could play a role in addressing the violence in the North, adding that his engagements with bandit groups are not carried out alone but involve security agencies.
However, Frank said Nigerians deserve an explanation if authorities indeed know the identities and locations of bandits operating in parts of the country.
He noted that the persistence of kidnappings and killings across parts of the country has continued to generate public concern about insecurity.
“If it is true that the government knows the names of these bandits, knows where they are located and even knows their camps, then Nigerians deserve to know why decisive action has not been taken.
“Kidnappings have increased. Killings have escalated. Insecurity has worsened across the country. If a government truly knows the identities and locations of terrorists and bandits yet fails to act decisively, then that raises serious concerns,” Frank said.
The former APC chieftain also urged the United States to exercise caution in its security cooperation with the administration of President Bola Tinubu, particularly in the area of intelligence sharing.
“I am calling on the United States government to be very careful in its dealings with the current Nigerian administration. The U.S. should suspend intelligence sharing and security cooperation with the Nigerian government and its security chiefs,” he said.
Frank added that despite international support received by Nigeria in the fight against insurgency and banditry, Nigerian soldiers continue to face significant risks in ongoing security operations.
“Today, Nigerian soldiers are dying in large numbers despite the equipment and support provided by the United States and other countries. With the level of support Nigeria has received, the war against insecurity should have made significant progress,” he said.
He also appealed directly to Trump to take a strong position against terrorist groups operating in Nigeria.
“We are appealing directly to President Donald Trump to take a strong and decisive stand. If the United States truly wants to help Nigeria defeat terrorism and make the country great again, it should be prepared to act firmly against the terrorists responsible for the violence,” he said.
According to him, the United States could also support efforts aimed at improving democratic processes in Nigeria.
“If the United States truly wants to assist Nigeria, it should help ensure peace, security and credible democratic processes. That is how Nigeria can move forward and become stable and prosperous again,” he said.
He also called on the US Congress to pay closer attention to developments in Nigeria, particularly in relation to security and democratic governance.
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