A former Deputy National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has urged the United States government to suspend intelligence sharing and security cooperation with Nigeria over recent remarks attributed to Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi on banditry.
Frank made the call in a statement on Tuesday while reacting to comments credited to Gumi suggesting that Nigerian authorities may know the identities and locations of bandits operating in parts of the country.
Gumi had earlier said in an interview with DRTV that dialogue could play a role in addressing violence in the North.
He added that his engagements with bandit groups are not carried out alone but involve security agencies.
Reacting to the remarks, Frank said Nigerians deserve clarification if authorities indeed know the identities and locations of bandits.
He said: “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.”
He added that the continued incidents of violence across the country raise serious questions about the handling of security challenges.
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He said: “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 also called on the United States to review its security relationship with Nigeria, particularly in the area of intelligence sharing.
He said: “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.”
The former APC chieftain said the ongoing security situation has continued to put Nigerian soldiers at risk despite international support.
He said: “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.”
Frank also appealed to the United States President Donald Trump to take a firm position against terrorist groups operating in Nigeria.
He said: “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 added that the United States could also support Nigeria by strengthening democratic processes.
He said: “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.”
Frank further urged the U.S. Congress to pay closer attention to developments in Nigeria, particularly issues relating to security and democratic governance.
