Ex-APC spokesman urges US to halt intelligence sharing with Nigeria over Gumi’s remarks

A former Deputy National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Timi Frank, has urged the United States government to suspend intelligence sharing and security cooperation with Nigeria following recent remarks by Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi on banditry and terrorism.

 

Frank made the call in a statement on Tuesday while reacting to comments attributed to Gumi suggesting that Nigerian authorities may know the identities and locations of bandits operating in parts of the country.

 

Gumi had said in an interview with DRTV that dialogue could help address violence in northern Nigeria, adding that his engagements with bandit groups were not conducted alone but involved security agencies.

 

Reacting to the comments, Frank said Nigerians deserve clarification if security agencies indeed know the identities and locations of bandits but have yet to take decisive action.

 

“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,” Frank said.

 

He noted that persistent kidnappings and killings across several parts of the country have heightened public concern over the nation’s worsening security situation.

 

“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,” he added.

 

The former APC chieftain also urged the United States to exercise caution in its security cooperation with the administration of President Bola Tinubu, particularly in the area of intelligence sharing.

 

“I am calling on the United States government to be very careful in its dealings with the current Nigerian administration. The US should suspend intelligence sharing and security cooperation with the Nigerian government and its security chiefs,” he said.

 

Frank further expressed concern that Nigerian soldiers continue to face significant risks despite international support in the fight against insurgency and banditry.

 

“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,” he said.

 

He also appealed to US President Donald Trump to take a firm stance against terrorist groups operating in Nigeria.

 

“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,” Frank stated.

 

He added that the United States could also support efforts aimed at strengthening peace, security and credible democratic processes in Nigeria.

 

Frank further called on the US Congress to pay closer attention to developments in Nigeria, particularly in relation to security and democratic governance.