Human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has declared that Nigeria’s security system has collapsed under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, warning that escalating terrorism, kidnappings, and armed violence have made the country dangerously unsafe for citizens across all regions.
Sowore made the remarks on Monday shortly after proceedings in an ongoing case filed against him by the Department of State Services (DSS) stalled at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The session was abruptly halted after the judge expected to rule on a recusal application failed to appear in court, bringing proceedings to an unexpected standstill.
Addressing journalists outside the court premises, he said the worsening security climate reflects a state that has lost effective control over protection of lives and property, warning that the situation could deteriorate further if urgent structural action is not taken.
“I’ve always told you that the people in power in Nigeria have lost control of the security situation in the country… things are only going to get worse. And I’m not saying that as a prophet of doom. It’s a reality,” he said.
He cited repeated kidnappings and attacks involving both serving and retired military officers as evidence of a deepening national security collapse.
“If they can get to a brigadier general who has 5,000 soldiers under his command, nobody’s safe,” he warned.
Sowore further argued that even the Federal Capital Territory is no longer secure, insisting that there is no effective security arrangement capable of preventing coordinated attacks.
“If these guys decide to run Abuja over, they’ll do it with motorcycles. And nobody’s safe,” he said.
He also condemned what he described as the normalization of terrorism on social media, alleging that armed groups now openly showcase their activities online without fear of consequences.
“The moment you find terrorists doing TikTok shows and even doing giveaways… that country is finished,” he added.
On the case of kidnapped retired military officer Major General Rabe Abubakar, Sowore dismissed discussions about medical causes of death, insisting he was killed by his abductors.
“The guy was killed by his abductors,” he said, alleging that ransom was collected before the release of his body and that additional ransom demands were made regarding his wife.
Meanwhile, the family of the late officer continues to demand clarity over the circumstances surrounding the recovery of his remains and the fate of his wife, insisting that only government authorities can provide answers on how the abduction incident unfolded.