Former Edo State governor and current senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, says the administration of President Bola Tinubu has recorded measurable progress in the fight against insecurity, even though the country is not yet free from violent attacks.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, on Monday, the former APC national chairman argued that security conditions today are far better than what the nation experienced before the APC assumed power in 2015.
Senator Oshiomhole recalled a period when Boko Haram controlled multiple local government areas in the North-East, forcing the postponement of national elections.
Oshiomhole also noted that recent successes under Tinubu were made possible through enhanced intelligence gathering and improved coordination from the Office of the National Security Adviser.
“There is still work to be done, but it would be dishonest to say there has been no progress.
“I lived through a time when insurgents hoisted foreign flags in about 81 local government areas. Today, that is no longer the case, ” he said.
He, however, expressed concern over what he described as lenient court sentences issued to some terrorism convicts, arguing that judges must follow the law strictly when dealing with such cases.
The senator emphasised that some of the breakthroughs recorded in recent months reflect tighter intelligence operations and better communication between security agencies.
He credited the National Security Adviser’s office for providing what he called a “coherent strategy” that past administrations lacked.
According to him, these improvements have led to more arrests and convictions of criminals involved in acts of terrorism and banditry.
Oshiomhole highlighted recent decisions by President Tinubu aimed at strengthening the security sector, including the appointment of new service chiefs and directives to expand the police force.
He revealed that the President had asked the Inspector General of Police to recruit 30,000 additional personnel, a move intended to ensure that the armed forces are relieved of conventional policing tasks.
The senator also said the Senate had agreed to recommend the recruitment of 100,000 more military personnel, especially in light of the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State and other recent attacks.
“Our population has grown significantly, but the size of our armed forces has not kept pace.
“The President recognises this and is taking steps to address it,” he said.
Oshiomhole cautioned against expecting instant solutions to a problem that has built up over years.
He insisted the government is demonstrating both concern and commitment.
“Does the President care? Yes. Is he taking action? Yes. Are people being arrested and convicted? Yes,
“Has the problem vanished? No. But we are not where we used to be, ” he said.
