CSN Faults ADC Over ‘Incendiary’ Remarks on Insecurity

 

A pro-citizens advocacy group, Citizens for Secure Nation (CSN), has taken a swipe at the African Democratic Congress (ADC), accusing the opposition party of making “incendiary and opportunistic” remarks on Nigeria’s security challenges.

In a statement issued in Kaduna on Thursday, CSN President, Alhaji Musa Danladi Maikawa, said the ADC’s recent comments were crafted to exploit public anxieties and the grief of victims’ families rather than contribute responsibly to national security discourse.

Maikawa faulted the party for what he described as sweeping allegations lacking verifiable evidence, warning that such rhetoric could erode public confidence in ongoing operations by security agencies working to stabilise troubled regions.

According to him, while Nigerians have legitimate concerns over banditry, kidnapping and threats to schools, political actors must avoid inflaming tensions or undermining institutions at a time when security personnel are under immense pressure.

“We cannot allow political parties to weaponise the pain of grieving families for narrow partisan advantage,” he said. “This is a difficult period for our nation, and what is required is constructive engagement—not reckless commentary capable of diminishing the morale of security operatives risking their lives daily.”

The CSN president described the ADC’s portrayal of recent rescue efforts as unfair, insisting that the military, police and intelligence agencies have intensified coordinated operations across multiple theatres.

He warned that portraying government actions as clandestine or conspiratorial only strengthens extremist propaganda and discourages communities from cooperating with authorities.

“There is no justification for suggesting that security forces are in collusion with terrorists,” Maikawa stated. “Such claims are dangerous, misleading and devoid of any substantiated evidence.”

On the ADC’s criticism of school closures in high-risk zones, Maikawa said the measures were temporary safety steps taken after thorough security assessments. He explained that both federal and state governments were already implementing a phased reinforcement plan around vulnerable schools to enable their safe reopening.

“It is irresponsible to say government is surrendering to terrorists simply because precautionary steps were taken to protect children,” he added. “Countries around the world temporarily shut facilities when credible threats arise. What matters is that these closures are not permanent and that security is being scaled up.”

Maikawa urged opposition figures to demonstrate restraint and national responsibility when commenting on matters of security, noting that Nigeria’s fight against violent groups requires unity, intelligence sharing and responsible public communication.

He said CSN would continue to monitor statements by political actors and challenge narratives capable of heightening fear or misrepresenting the complexity of ongoing security efforts.