Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the Federal Government of failing to release appropriated security funds, alleging that the situation has contributed to the deaths of more than 17,000 Nigerians since President Bola Tinubu assumed office.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) said recent comments by Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), supported long-standing concerns raised by the opposition over the implementation of security funding.
According to Atiku, Senator Monguno’s intervention highlighted what he described as the consequences of poor fiscal management and raised important questions about the government’s handling of security allocations.
He noted that independent conflict monitors estimate that more than 17,000 Nigerians have been killed in violent attacks since the current administration came into office, while thousands of others have reportedly been abducted by terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups. Atiku said the figures represent families and communities devastated by insecurity, stressing that each casualty reflects a personal tragedy beyond statistical records.
The former vice president argued that concerns previously dismissed by the ruling party have now been echoed by one of its own lawmakers.
According to him, Senator Monguno questioned why duly approved budgets were allegedly not being fully implemented, why revenue generated by the Federation was reportedly being retained instead of being distributed in line with constitutional provisions, and why critical security agencies had allegedly not received capital releases despite worsening insecurity. Atiku maintained that these were constitutional concerns raised by a serving APC senator rather than opposition accusations.
The former vice president said that if security agencies are unable to access funds approved by the National Assembly for equipment procurement, intelligence gathering, logistics and operational activities, the government cannot avoid responsibility for the consequences.
He also criticised President Tinubu’s handling of insecurity, arguing that the administration had become reactive by issuing condolences after attacks rather than preventing them. Referencing his traditional title, Zege Mule U Tiv II, Atiku said the philosophy behind the title symbolises protecting people from danger instead of remaining passive during periods of crisis.
Looking ahead, Atiku said an ADC-led administration would introduce comprehensive reforms to Nigeria’s security architecture. According to him, the proposed measures would include ensuring prompt release and accountability for every naira appropriated for security, strengthening intelligence-led policing, deploying modern surveillance technology, improving border security, enhancing coordination among security agencies, providing better equipment and welfare for security personnel, and establishing community-based early warning systems designed to prevent attacks before they occur.
The latest security funding allegations come amid continued national debate over insecurity, budget implementation and the financing of security operations across Nigeria.
