President Bola Tinubu has issued a stern warning, vowing that “bad actors” whether within or beyond the country’s borders will face the full weight of the law. But can this rhetoric translate into tangible action, or is it merely another political statement aimed at bolstering his administration’s image?
Represented by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Tinubu made this assertion during the graduation ceremony for the Executive Intelligence Management Course 17 at the National Institute for Security Studies in Abuja. While reiterating his administration’s commitment to national security, he declared, “If you are a bad man, whether you are inside Nigeria or outside, you are in trouble. We will go after you. We will bring you to justice.”
This declaration, though strong in tone, raises questions about execution. Nigeria’s security challenges, including organized crime, terrorism, and corruption, are entrenched issues that require systemic solutions beyond rhetorical posturing. The President’s sweeping claim to target bad actors globally also invites skepticism, given the state’s historically limited reach and inconsistent enforcement of justice.
Can Security Agencies Deliver?
The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeọla Ajayi, also weighed in, highlighting inter-agency collaboration as a critical factor for success. “Together we can win. The CDS and NSA have driven synergy in a way I have never seen in my career,” Ajayi said, expressing optimism about improved coordination among security agencies.
While this newfound synergy is commendable, its impact remains to be seen. Nigeria’s security architecture has long been plagued by infighting, resource constraints, and a lack of clear accountability. Ajayi’s promise that “very soon, all Nigerians will sleep with their two eyes closed” comes across as overly ambitious given the scale of insecurity in the country.
A Calculated Move or Political Theatre?
Tinubu’s tough stance on criminal elements may resonate with Nigerians desperate for peace and order. However, this raises a question of whether these proclamations are a genuine effort to address Nigeria’s deep-seated security challenges or a strategic move to project authority amid growing public discontent.
The promise to bring “bad men” to justice is not new in Nigerian politics. Successive administrations have made similar vows, yet insecurity remains a persistent blight on the nation. For Tinubu’s words to carry weight, his government must demonstrate measurable progress—arrests, prosecutions, and a significant reduction in crime rates.
The Bottom Line
President Tinubu’s pledge to crack down on “bad” Nigerians is bold, but its credibility hinges on action, not words. Without a clear strategy and demonstrable results, such statements risk being dismissed as political grandstanding. Nigerians are watching closely, and the administration’s ability—or failure—to deliver on its promises will define its legacy.
