Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticised the federal government over worsening insecurity, saying the continued wave of killings and school abductions shows that the Nigerian state is steadily losing control.

Reacting to the abduction of students and teachers in Ogbomoso and recent deadly attacks in Katsina State, Atiku described the incidents as evidence of a deep leadership and security crisis. He accused the administration of relying on repeated condemnation statements instead of proactive action capable of preventing attacks.

According to him, communities are increasingly vulnerable as armed groups operate with little fear of consequences, attacking schools, raiding villages, and carrying out kidnappings with alarming confidence.

Atiku also condemned reports suggesting attempts to suppress graphic evidence and public documentation of the violence, arguing that governments should focus on protecting citizens rather than controlling narratives.

He called for urgent reforms to Nigeria’s security structure, immediate rescue operations for abducted victims, and stronger measures to restore public confidence in state institutions.

Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters announced fresh gains in ongoing counterterrorism operations conducted jointly by Nigerian forces and the United States in the North-east. Military authorities said coordinated airstrikes had reportedly eliminated 175 ISIS-linked fighters and destroyed logistics hubs, weapons caches, and operational bases used by insurgents.

Among those reportedly killed was Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described by the military as a senior extremist commander involved in financing, recruitment, and external operations.

The military also moved to calm concerns over insecurity in the South-west following school abductions in Oyo State. Authorities insisted there was currently no permanent terrorist base in the region, describing the attacks as isolated criminal activities rather than evidence of a fully established insurgent network.

Security forces stated that troops remained active in affected forest areas and were continuing rescue and pursuit operations in collaboration with other agencies and local vigilante groups.