Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged the Federal Government, Imo State Government, and security agencies to act with urgency in securing the release of abducted prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members. In a statement on Monday, Atiku described the abduction of 20 prospective corps members in Imo State as heartbreaking. He noted that although some victims had been rescued, others were still being held by their abductors.
The abduction occurred when gunmen attacked two buses conveying at least 20 graduates traveling from Ibadan to their NYSC orientation camps along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State. Atiku linked the abduction to broader concerns over insecurity in Nigeria, arguing that citizens remained vulnerable to kidnappers on highways, in communities, and around schools. He expressed concern that young Nigerians were facing insecurity at different stages of their lives.
Atiku also drew attention to the continued captivity of more than 70 pupils and students abducted from Mussa and Lassa in Borno State, months after their abduction. He emphasized that the affected children must not be forgotten and that their families deserved clear updates on efforts to secure their release. Atiku urged the government to prioritize the safety and security of its citizens.
The former vice president questioned the government's handling of resources allocated to security, recalling that President Bola Tinubu had promised that savings from the removal of fuel subsidy would help fund security. However, Atiku noted that Nigerians remained exposed to kidnappers on roads, in communities, and around schools. He argued that the government needed to be more accountable in its spending on security.
Atiku also raised concerns about the allocation of huge pipeline security contracts to politically connected companies while ordinary Nigerians continued to face criminal attacks. He cited Tantita, which holds a pipeline security contract, and its founder's reported support for President Tinubu's 2027 re-election campaign. Atiku challenged the administration to publish documents relating to the procurement process.
In addition to security concerns, Atiku demanded a detailed account of the N11.2 trillion recorded by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) as receivables from the Federation. He questioned the specific components of the figure and how much was spent on pipeline surveillance. Atiku compared the N11.2 trillion in NNPCL receivables with the approximately N3.1 trillion allocated to the Ministry of Defence in 2025.
Atiku emphasized the importance of accountability in government spending, particularly at a time when Nigerians were facing economic hardship, insecurity, food costs, and electricity challenges. He urged the government to prioritize transparency and accountability in its dealings. The former vice president's comments highlight the need for the government to address pressing concerns over insecurity and accountability in Nigeria.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar urges FG and Imo State govt to secure release of abducted prospective NYSC members
- Atiku questions government's handling of resources allocated to security
- Atiku demands accountability in NNPCL's N11.2 trillion receivables from the Federation
