ADC Accuses Nigerian Police of Witch-Hunt, Neglecting War Against Terrorism

ADC Accuses Nigerian Police of Witch-Hunt, Neglecting War Against Terrorism

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly criticized the Nigerian Police  Force, accusing it of prioritizing the suppression of political opposition over tackling the growing menace of terrorism and insecurity in the country.

In a statement issued by the party’s national publicity secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC expressed deep concern over what it described as a "misplaced focus" of Nigeria’s security architecture. According to the party, while communities across the country remain under constant threat from terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers, the police have seemingly devoted more energy to clamping down on voices of dissent and political opponents.

"The Nigerian people deserve a police force that is fully committed to safeguarding lives and property, not one that serves as a political tool for intimidation," the statement read. "It is alarming that, instead of deploying resources to curb terrorism and banditry ravaging villages and highways, the police are more frequently seen dispersing protests, harassing opposition leaders, and silencing critical voices."

The ADC lamented that despite billions of naira being allocated annually to security, Nigerians continue to live in fear. From the incessant kidnappings on highways, attacks on rural farmers, and rising urban crimes, the party argued that the police have failed to reassure citizens of their safety.

Political analysts say the ADC’s criticism reflects a wider frustration among Nigerians who believe that security agencies are increasingly politicized. Critics argue that the police, rather than being neutral protectors of law and order, are often deployed during elections and political gatherings to stifle opposition while criminal gangs roam free.

In recent years, incidents of insecurity have reached unprecedented levels. States in the North-East continue to grapple with Boko Haram insurgency and ISWAP attacks, while the North-West has become a hotbed for banditry and mass abductions. The South-East and South-South regions are also battling separatist unrest and oil theft respectively. Yet, the ADC insists that the government and its security agencies have not matched rhetoric with decisive action.

The party further called for urgent reforms in the Nigerian Police Force, insisting that the institution must be insulated from political influence if it is to regain public trust. "Nigeria cannot win the war against terror when its police and security agencies are more concerned with protecting the interests of politicians than the lives of ordinary citizens," the ADC maintained.

The ADC urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to demonstrate genuine commitment to national security by redirecting the police away from partisan assignments and ensuring that the fight against terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping becomes the nation’s top priority.

Civil society organizations have also echoed similar sentiments, calling for accountability and transparency in the operations of security agencies. According to them, restoring public confidence in the police is crucial for Nigeria’s democratic stability and socio-economic development.

As Nigerians brace for tougher economic realities and worsening security challenges, the ADC’s statement underscores a growing demand for leadership that prioritizes safety, justice, and fairness over political expediency.