A former Deputy National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has called on the United States government to suspend intelligence sharing and security cooperation with Nigeria following recent remarks attributed to Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi regarding banditry and terrorism.
Frank made the call in a statement on Tuesday while reacting to comments credited to Gumi suggesting that Nigerian authorities may know the identities and locations of bandits operating in parts of the country.
Gumi had earlier stated during an interview with DRTV that dialogue could help address the persistent violence in northern Nigeria. He also claimed that his interactions with bandit groups were not carried out independently but involved security agencies.
Reacting to the remarks, Frank said if it were true that authorities were aware of the identities and locations of bandits, Nigerians deserved a clear explanation as to why decisive action had not been taken against them.
According to him, the continued wave of kidnappings and killings across the country has heightened public concern over insecurity.
“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.
“Kidnappings have increased, killings have escalated and insecurity has worsened across the country. If a government truly knows the identities and locations of terrorists and bandits yet fails to act decisively, that raises serious concerns.”
The former APC chieftain also urged the United States to exercise caution in its security cooperation with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in the area of intelligence sharing.
He argued that Washington should reconsider its security support until the Nigerian government demonstrates stronger commitment and effectiveness in tackling terrorism and banditry.
“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.
Frank further expressed concern over the high number of casualties recorded among Nigerian troops engaged in security operations despite international assistance.
According to him, the continued loss of soldiers raises questions about the effectiveness of the country’s current counter-terrorism strategy.
“Today, Nigerian soldiers are dying in large numbers despite the equipment and support provided by the United States and other countries. With the level of support Nigeria has received, the war against insecurity should have made significant progress,” he added.
Frank also appealed directly to U.S. President Donald Trump to take a firm stance against terrorist groups operating in Nigeria.
“We are appealing directly to President Trump to take a strong and decisive stand. If the United States truly wants to help Nigeria defeat terrorism and make the country great again, it should be prepared to act firmly against the terrorists responsible for the violence,” he said.
He added that the United States could also play a role in strengthening democratic institutions and processes in Nigeria.
“If the United States truly wants to assist Nigeria, it should help ensure peace, security and credible democratic processes. That is how Nigeria can move forward and become stable and prosperous again,” Frank said.
The former APC official also called on the U.S. Congress to pay closer attention to developments in Nigeria, particularly regarding the country’s security challenges and the state of its democratic governance.