Summary: President Tinubu is losing sleep over Nigeria’s security challenges, according to his aide Abdulillahi Yakassai, who revealed the President holds weekly security meetings to tackle the crisis.
The mounting security challenges facing Nigeria have become a personal burden for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, keeping him awake at night as he grapples with solutions to protect citizens across the country.
This revelation came from Abdulillahi Yakassai, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North-West), during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief programme.
Weekly Security Meetings at Aso Rock
Yakassai painted a picture of a president deeply concerned about the safety of Nigerians, disclosing that Tinubu convenes security council meetings weekly at the Presidential Villa.
“Even the president is having sleepless nights because every week you see him having a security council meeting in the Presidential Villa to see how to address this insecurity,” Yakassai stated.
The presidential aide’s comments offer a rare glimpse into the pressure facing Nigeria’s number one citizen as bandits, terrorists, and kidnappers continue to wreak havoc in various parts of the country.
Progress Made, But New Threats Emerging
While acknowledging some improvements in certain regions, Yakassai admitted that fresh security threats are surfacing in unexpected places, particularly Kwara State.
“The security situation in some parts of the country has really been subdued, but there are some elements of new tactics coming up… very unfortunate,” he explained.
According to the presidential aide, insurgents have shifted to guerrilla-style tactics, making them extremely difficult to track and neutralize.
“It’s very hard to tackle… You wouldn’t know where they come from,” Yakassai said, highlighting the complex nature of the security challenge facing Nigerian forces.
Political Sabotage or Genuine Crisis?
In a controversial statement, Yakassai suggested that some individuals opposed to the Tinubu administration might be deliberately fuelling insecurity to tarnish the government’s image.
“There are some elements that are against this government that are instigating this kind of insecurity situation just to give the new government a bad name,” he claimed.
This allegation, though unsubstantiated, reflects the deep political tensions in Nigeria and the blame game that often accompanies security discussions.
Some Areas Seeing Improvement
Despite the grim picture, Yakassai pointed to tangible improvements in previously notorious trouble spots. The Abuja-Kaduna road, once considered one of Nigeria’s most dangerous highways due to frequent kidnappings, has reportedly become safer.
Zamfara State, which had been a hotbed of banditry for years, has also witnessed reduced criminal activity, according to the presidential aide.
“Some places where we know there was massive insecurity… have really subsided,” Yakassai noted with cautious optimism.
The Balloon Effect: Criminals Relocating
However, the improvement in some areas appears to have created a “balloon effect,” with criminal elements simply relocating to other states rather than being completely eliminated.
Niger State and Kwara State have now become new flashpoints, with bandits and kidnappers establishing operations in these regions after being dislodged from their previous strongholds.
Government Commitment Remains Strong
Despite the ongoing challenges, Yakassai assured Nigerians that the Tinubu administration remains fully committed to restoring peace and security across the nation.
“We know a lot needs to be done… and I believe with time… it will continue to come down till we get to eliminate the insecurity situation,” he said.
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The Reality Check
For millions of Nigerians living under the shadow of insecurity—farmers afraid to go to their farms, travelers anxious about highway journeys, and parents worried about their children’s safety—the promise of gradual improvement offers little comfort.
While the revelation that the President is losing sleep over the issue may demonstrate personal concern, many citizens are looking for concrete results: the ability to travel freely, farm without fear, and sleep peacefully in their homes.
As the Tinubu administration continues its fight against insecurity, Nigerians remain hopeful that sleepless nights at Aso Rock will translate into peaceful nights in villages, towns, and cities across the country.
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