Arewa Youths Demand Dismissal of Defence Minister Amid Escalating Insecurity in Northern Nigeria!
Reported by Marian opeyemi fasesan Editor -in- chief | Sele Media Africa.
A coalition of northern youth groups has called on Bola Ahmed Tinubu to dismiss Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, citing worsening insecurity across several northern states.
The demand was made by the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum and other regional youth stakeholders, who argue that the federal government’s current security strategy has failed to curb the surge in violent attacks, kidnappings, and banditry across northern communities.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the youth coalition expressed deep concern over the continued loss of lives and displacement of residents in states such as Zamfara State, Kaduna State, Sokoto State, and Katsina State. The group said the deteriorating security situation has eroded public confidence in the country’s defence leadership.
According to the coalition, repeated attacks by armed groups, including bandits and extremist factions linked to Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, demonstrate that existing counter-insurgency measures require urgent reassessment. They argued that replacing the defence minister would signal a renewed commitment by the administration to addressing the crisis.
“The security architecture must deliver results,” the youth group stated. “Communities across the North are living in fear, and urgent leadership changes may be necessary to restore effectiveness and public trust.”
Northern Nigeria has faced persistent security challenges for more than a decade, including insurgency in the northeast, banditry in the northwest, and rising incidents of kidnapping for ransom. Analysts say these overlapping threats have placed enormous pressure on Nigeria’s military and security agencies.
Since assuming office in May 2023, President Tinubu’s administration has pledged to reform Nigeria’s security sector and strengthen military operations against armed groups. Defence officials have also maintained that ongoing operations have led to the elimination of several insurgent leaders and the rescue of kidnapped victims.
However, critics argue that despite periodic military successes, attacks on rural communities and highways continue to disrupt daily life and economic activity across the region.
The presidency has yet to issue an official response to the youth coalition’s call for the defence minister’s removal. Observers say the development underscores growing frustration among northern stakeholders who are demanding more decisive action to address the security crisis.
Nigeria remains Africa’s most populous nation and one of the continent’s largest economies, making the restoration of stability in the northern region a priority not only for national security but also for broader regional development.
Sources: BBC News, Al Jazeera, Reuters, The Guardian Nigeria, Channels Television.
Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.
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