A legal practitioner and political commentator, Kenneth Okonkwo, has strongly criticized the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing it of failing to address Nigeria’s worsening security challenges.
Okonkwo made the remarks during a live appearance on Politics Today, a program on Channels Television, where he spoke on the growing calls for the creation of state police as a way to tackle insecurity across the country.
In his comments, Okonkwo alleged that the current administration is part of a system that allows criminal activities, including kidnapping, to thrive. He claimed that the government has not shown enough commitment to ending insecurity and has instead focused on politics.
According to him, insecurity in Nigeria has continued to spread because of weak responses from authorities. He said the situation is worsening in many parts of the country, with more communities facing attacks, kidnappings, and violence.
“So I’m sorry to say this, that the government is now part of the criminal gang that is buying and selling Nigerians,” Okonkwo said during the interview.
He further criticized what he described as the politicization of security issues, arguing that the government has not treated insecurity with the seriousness it deserves. He added that the lack of strong action has allowed criminal groups to expand their activities.
Nigeria has faced serious security challenges for over a decade, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, and rising cases of kidnapping for ransom across several regions. These issues have led to the loss of lives, displacement of communities, and growing fear among citizens.
One of the major proposals to address the problem is the establishment of state police. Supporters argue that state-controlled police forces would be closer to local communities and better able to respond quickly to threats. However, critics have raised concerns about possible abuse by state governments and the need for proper checks and balances.
Okonkwo said President Tinubu has not shown the capacity to effectively handle the security situation. He claimed that there are not enough security personnel deployed across the country, leaving many areas vulnerable to attacks.
He also pointed to what he described as “ungoverned spaces” in different parts of Nigeria, where the presence of government authority is weak or absent. Such areas, he said, often become safe havens for criminal groups.
The legal practitioner linked the rise in insecurity to increasing poverty and hardship in the country. According to him, worsening economic conditions make it easier for criminal groups to recruit young people.
Nigeria has been facing economic challenges in recent years, including rising inflation, unemployment, and the impact of government reforms such as fuel subsidy removal. Many households have struggled with the rising cost of living, leading to growing concerns about poverty levels.
Okonkwo argued that when people are hungry and jobless, they may be more willing to engage in criminal activities. He also said that the failure to punish offenders encourages more crime.
He criticized the handling of kidnapping cases, claiming that large numbers of victims are sometimes released without clear consequences for those responsible. According to him, this creates the impression that criminals can act without fear of punishment.
In recent years, kidnapping for ransom has become a major security concern in Nigeria. Schools, highways, and rural communities have been frequent targets. Although security agencies have recorded some successes in rescuing victims and arresting suspects, many cases remain unresolved.
The Federal Government has repeatedly stated its commitment to tackling insecurity. Security agencies have launched operations in different parts of the country, targeting insurgents, bandits, and other criminal groups. Authorities have also emphasized the need for better intelligence, community cooperation, and regional partnerships.
Despite these efforts, many Nigerians continue to express concern about their safety, especially in areas where attacks occur frequently.
Okonkwo’s comments add to the ongoing public debate on how best to address Nigeria’s security challenges. Political leaders, security experts, and civil society groups have continued to propose different solutions, including police reform, increased funding for security agencies, and improved coordination among security forces.
The issue of state police remains one of the most discussed topics. While some state governors and lawmakers support the idea, others have called for caution, stressing the need to strengthen existing institutions before creating new ones.