Northern Youth Frontiers rejects ADC’s claims on Sokoto airstrikes, warning against politicising security issues while urging unity, transparency, and support for troops.
The Northern Youth Frontiers (NYF) has strongly criticised recent comments by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) linking the December 25 Sokoto airstrikes to alleged incompetence on the part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The youth organisation described the claims as misleading, politically motivated, and harmful to national unity at a time when the country is confronting serious security threats.
In a statement issued by its Northwest Coordinator, Saminu Tukur, the NYF said it was compelled to address what it called a deliberate attempt to politicise a sensitive national security operation involving foreign military cooperation.
According to the group, such narratives risk distorting public understanding of counterterrorism efforts and undermining the morale of security personnel engaged in difficult operations across the country.
The NYF argued that framing the Sokoto airstrikes as a symbol of failure ignores the complex realities of Nigeria’s security environment.
Tukur noted that terrorism, banditry, and insurgency have evolved over many years, cutting across multiple administrations.
He stressed that no single government can be held solely responsible for challenges that have become deeply entrenched due to regional instability and transnational criminal networks.
“It is irresponsible to reduce a multifaceted security issue to political soundbites,” Tukur said.
“Our armed forces and intelligence agencies are operating under extremely challenging conditions, and their sacrifices should not be trivialised for partisan advantage.”
The group further accused the ADC of overlooking the legitimate framework under which Nigeria engages international partners in combating terrorism.
According to the NYF, cooperation with foreign allies does not equate to weakness but reflects a strategic response to evolving security threats that transcend national borders.
The organisation emphasised that such collaborations are common globally and are guided by sovereignty and mutual respect.
While defending the government’s approach, the NYF also made a case for transparency.
The group called on relevant authorities to provide clear information on the outcomes of the Sokoto airstrikes, including the operational impact on terrorist groups.
Tukur explained that transparency is essential not only for accountability but also for strengthening public confidence in counterterrorism initiatives.
“Citizens deserve to know the results of security operations carried out in their name,” he said.
“Openness builds trust and demonstrates that government actions are producing measurable results.”
The NYF rejected the ADC criticism that portrayed the Tinubu administration as unprepared or ineffective.
According to the group, the current government inherited a complex and deteriorating security landscape, shaped by years of underinvestment, porous borders, and regional conflicts spilling into Nigeria.
Addressing these issues, the NYF argued, requires patience, coordination, and sustained political will.
The statement also warned that inflammatory rhetoric surrounding the Sokoto airstrikes could have unintended consequences.
Tukur cautioned that constant public attacks on security strategies may embolden criminal groups while discouraging security personnel who risk their lives daily to protect civilians.
“When political actors speak recklessly about security matters, they do not only score cheap points; they also risk encouraging those who thrive on chaos,” he warned.
In addition, the NYF called on political parties, civil society organisations, and opinion leaders to prioritise national interest over partisan competition.
The group urged stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue focused on improving intelligence gathering, strengthening community policing, and supporting victims of insecurity.
According to the NYF, meaningful progress in national security can only be achieved through cooperation rather than blame-shifting.
The organisation stressed that youth groups, traditional institutions, and local communities all have roles to play in supporting security agencies and countering extremist narratives.
Reaffirming its support for the Tinubu administration, the NYF stated that criticism of government policies should be grounded in facts and offered in good faith.
The group maintained that responsible opposition is essential in a democracy but should not come at the expense of national stability.
“The Sokoto airstrikes should be examined within the broader context of Nigeria’s fight against terrorism,” the statement concluded.
“What the country needs now is unity, honest engagement, and a shared commitment to peace and security, not narratives that divide and weaken collective resolve.”
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