Describes Atiku’s alleged fixation on terror threats and insecurity as “worrisome
The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Peter Obi for what it described as their failure to acknowledge recent military successes against terrorism while focusing on security challenges to criticise the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its Chairman, Emeka Nwankpa, the group described Atiku’s alleged fixation on terror threats and insecurity as “worrisome,” arguing that it undermined the sacrifices and achievements of Nigerian security forces in the ongoing war against terrorism.
TMSG accused the former vice president of maintaining a detached attitude towards military victories and using security incidents to score political points.
According to the group, opposition politicians often remain silent when security agencies record successes but quickly criticise the government whenever attacks or abductions occur.
The statement cited the recent joint military operation involving Nigerian and United States forces in the Lake Chad region, which reportedly led to the elimination of Abu Bilal Al-Minuki, identified as a senior commander of the Islamic State and one of the world’s most active terrorists.
TMSG claimed neither Atiku nor Obi publicly acknowledged the operation despite what it described as its global significance.
The group said Al-Minuki played a major role in coordinating terrorist financing, recruitment, logistics and attacks against civilians. It added that other terrorist figures reportedly killed during the operation included Abd-al Wahhab, Abu Musa al-Mangawi and Abu al-Muthanna al-Muhajir.
According to the statement, additional follow-up operations by joint US-Nigerian forces also resulted in the deaths of several terrorists in the North-East.
TMSG expressed disappointment that both opposition figures chose to focus on the recent abduction of teachers in Oyo State rather than recognising what it described as major gains recorded by security forces.
“We wonder how a President who had been courting the international community to the extent of authorising joint military operations against terrorists could be described in such unflattering terms, if not for politics,” the statement said.
The group argued that President Tinubu had demonstrated commitment to tackling insecurity through enhanced international cooperation and support for security operations across the country.
It further accused opposition leaders of elevating issues they believe could advance their political ambitions while failing to recognise the sacrifices of military personnel and other security operatives.
TMSG also alleged that Atiku had previously criticised military operations based on claims the armed forces disputed, including an incident involving an airstrike near the Borno-Yobe border.
Defending the administration’s security strategy, the group said President Tinubu had welcomed the deployment of American intelligence and military assets to support counter-terrorism efforts.
It also pointed to the President’s advocacy for state police as part of broader efforts to strengthen community-based security and improve responses to crime in rural areas.
The group advised Atiku to ensure his public comments reflected the office of former vice president and urged him to avoid politicising issues of terrorism and insecurity.
