CSO accuses ADC of exploiting Kebbi, Niger school attacks for political gain

The Citizens for Secure Nation (CSN), a civil society organisation, has accused the African Democratic Congress (ADC) of using the country’s security challenges to score political points.

On Wednesday, the ADC urged the federal government to choose leadership over fear after the ministry of education ordered the immediate closure of 44 of Nigeria’s unity colleges due to recent school abductions in Kebbi and Niger state.

The coalition said the opposition party was exploiting the grief of victims’ families and the anxieties of citizens instead of offering viable solutions to insecurity.

A statement issued in Kaduna on Thursday by Musa Maikawa, president of the coalition, said the ADC’s comments were designed to undermine public confidence in ongoing security operations.

Maikawa said the party made sweeping allegations without providing evidence, adding that public debate on security should be based on facts and national interest.

“We cannot allow a political party to weaponise the pain of grieving families for narrow advantage,” he said.

“Our country is going through a difficult period and what we need is constructive engagement, not reckless commentary that undermines the morale of security personnel risking their lives every day.”

He said the ADC’s portrayal of recent rescue operations was unfair to the military, police and intelligence agencies.

Maikawa added that attempts to cast government actions as conspiratorial are capable of discouraging citizens from cooperating with authorities.

“There is no justification for painting security forces as collaborators with terrorists. Such rhetoric is dangerous. It casts suspicion on agencies that citizens rely on for protection and gives oxygen to extremist propaganda,” the statement reads.

The coalition defended recent school closures in some affected communities, noting that the measures followed security assessments and were temporary steps taken to protect children.

Maikawa urged the opposition to demonstrate patriotic responsibility when speaking on national security.

He said the fight against violent groups requires unity, information sharing and responsible public communication.