By Newspot Nigeria Politics Desk
A political activist and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has called on the United States government and President Donald Trump to suspend intelligence sharing and security cooperation with Nigeria over growing concerns about insecurity in the country.
Frank made the call in a statement issued Wednesday in Abuja, reacting to recent remarks attributed to Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, who reportedly suggested that Nigerian authorities may know the identities and locations of bandits operating across parts of the country.
According to Frank, if it is true that government agencies possess detailed intelligence about bandits and their camps, Nigerians deserve to know why decisive action has not been taken to dismantle those networks.
“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.
He argued that the continued rise in kidnappings, killings, and attacks across the country indicates that insecurity has worsened despite claims that security agencies possess actionable intelligence about those responsible.
Frank further alleged that the persistent deterioration of security raises questions about whether insecurity may be benefiting certain individuals within the system.
“Kidnappings have increased. Killings have escalated. Insecurity has worsened across the country. If a government truly knows the identities and locations of terrorists and bandits yet fails to act decisively, then that raises serious concerns,” he said.
The activist also claimed that insecurity could potentially be exploited for political purposes ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, alleging that the situation may create conditions that could be used to manipulate electoral outcomes.
“They want the insecurity to persist because as long as insecurity continues in the country, it’s an opportunity for them to rig the 2027 general elections in Nigeria,” he alleged.
Frank urged the United States to exercise caution in its dealings with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in the area of intelligence sharing.
“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.
According to him, Nigeria has received significant security assistance from the United States and other international partners over the years, yet the security situation continues to deteriorate.
“There appears to be a pattern where the government continues to receive security assistance and aid from the United States and other international partners, yet insecurity keeps worsening,” he stated.
Frank also expressed concern that Nigerian soldiers continue to lose their lives in the fight against insurgency and banditry despite military equipment and training support from foreign partners.
“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 said.
The activist further appealed directly to President Trump to take what he described as a strong stance against terrorist groups operating in Nigeria, even suggesting that the United States could consider independent actions if necessary.
“We are appealing directly to President Donald 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.
Frank added that such actions should not necessarily depend solely on cooperation with Nigerian authorities.
“The United States should be ready to take bold steps in confronting terrorist networks threatening Nigeria, even if it means acting independently,” he said.
He also called on the United States Congress to pay closer attention to developments in Nigeria and support measures that would strengthen democratic processes and address insecurity.
Frank argued that credible elections and strong democratic institutions would help stabilize governance in Nigeria and rebuild public confidence.
“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,” he said.
Frank currently serves as the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East and as Senior Advisor to the Global Friendship City Association (GFCA), USA.
— Newspot Nigeria
