Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has accused the Tinubu administration of pretending to fight terrorism in Nigeria.
Effiong made the claim on his official X account on Sunday, writing that “The Nigerian government is not serious about fighting terrorism.”
His post quickly generated strong public reactions, with Nigerians expressing frustration over worsening insecurity across the country.
A user identified as Osikhena2014 said the government is “in a romantic relationship with them.”
Ebuka Laz added that he pities anyone who believes the current administration wants to fight terrorism and claimed, “Whatever thing they’re doing now is just a smokescreen to divert attention.”
Several respondents argued that terrorism has become entrenched because of political and financial interests benefiting from insecurity.
Mr Kingsley wrote that the nation has reverted to the “initial status quo” after brief periods of public outrage.
He further criticised the government for being reactive and more concerned about public perception than real security reforms.
Okoji Kingsley Uchenna claimed that insecurity has become a lucrative business for some people who do not want it to fail.
Reboot Nigeria said, “A government that pampers terrorists, negotiates with them, rewards them, and treats them with kid gloves is not fighting terrorism—it IS terrorism.”
READ MORE: Tinubu Incapable of Stopping Terrorism, Keeps Playing Politics With Human Lives — Ife Salako
The group added that Nigeria will never know peace until the ruling authorities stop empowering violent groups.
Other commenters highlighted the legal and ethical issues of negotiating with armed groups despite laws criminalising such actions.
TeeGee described terrorism as the most profitable business sponsored by the government.
Ogor Peters questioned how the government could fight terrorists while having a compromised defence minister.
Francisco Brainiac warned that the nation’s insecurity is spreading like wildfire.
Some users said the government benefits from terrorism politically and financially, making any real fight impossible.
A commenter noted that terrorism in Nigeria is rooted in religion and cannot be defeated by the government alone.
Proudly Nigerian wrote that leaders are “stealing monies for education, healthcare and infrastructure that have led to the deaths of many Nigerians.”
Daniel claimed that the current administration is not interested in fighting terrorism because doing so would risk losing power in 2027.
Magnificent-Chi stated that the government has not taken terrorism seriously since 2015.
Effiong had previously condemned the arrest and detention of activist Abba Mu’azu Abiyos in Jigawa State for criticising the government online.
He also mocked claims of foreign interference, writing, “America wants to violate our sovereignty. Says a country that shares its ‘sovereignty’ with terrorists.”
The reactions to Effiong’s post underscore a growing distrust in the Tinubu government’s capacity and will to confront terrorism in Nigeria.
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