A political activist and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has called on the United States government and President Donald Trump to suspend intelligence sharing and security cooperation with Nigeria over concerns about the country’s worsening security situation.
Frank made the call in a statement issued Wednesday in Abuja, citing recent comments attributed to Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi suggesting that authorities may know the identities and locations of bandits operating across parts of Nigeria.
According to him, such claims raise serious questions about the handling of insecurity in the country.
“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 argued that the continued rise in kidnappings and killings across the country suggests that insecurity has worsened despite claims by security agencies that they possess intelligence on those responsible.
Frank alleged that the persistence of insecurity, despite international assistance, raises suspicions that some individuals may be benefiting from the crisis.
“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 said.
The activist further alleged that the insecurity could be exploited for political purposes ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
“They want the insecurity to persist because as long as insecurity continues in the country, it’s an opportunity for them to rig the 2027 general elections in Nigeria,” he said.
Frank urged the United States to exercise caution in its dealings with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in the area of intelligence cooperation.
“I am calling on the United States government to be very careful in its dealings with the current Nigerian administration. The U.S. should suspend intelligence sharing and security cooperation with the Nigerian government and its security chiefs,” he said.
He also alleged that despite the security assistance Nigeria has received from the United States and other international partners, the situation on the ground has continued to deteriorate.
According to him, Nigerian soldiers are still losing their lives in the fight against insurgency and banditry despite military equipment and support provided by foreign allies.
Frank called on President Trump to take decisive steps against terrorist groups operating in Nigeria and urged the United States Congress to pay closer attention to developments in the country.
He said stronger international engagement could help address Nigeria’s security challenges and support credible democratic processes.
“With the right actions and international support, Nigeria can defeat terrorism, restore stability and move toward a more secure and prosperous future,” he said.