The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North-West), Abdulillahi Yakassai, has said the worsening security situation in parts of Nigeria is taking a toll on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the president is losing sleep over the crisis.
Yakassai made the remark during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, 24 March 2026, while addressing concerns over rising insecurity across the country.
“The security situation in some parts of the country has really been subdued, but there are new tactics emerging, like the one we see in Kwara State—very unfortunate.
“Even the president is having sleepless nights because every week you see him holding a Security Council meeting in the Presidential Villa to address this insecurity,” he said.
His comments come amid increasing public concern over persistent cases of banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes, particularly in northern Nigeria.
Yakassai acknowledged that tackling insecurity has become more complex due to evolving tactics adopted by armed groups.
“It’s very hard to tackle. We have come from a long-standing crisis, and it has been ongoing. You can’t just blame this government for it.
“You wouldn’t know where they come from. I’m telling you, there is a hand in this kind of insecurity issue. We cannot just say it is a coordinated insecurity situation.
“Some elements are against this government and are instigating insecurity to give the new administration a bad name,” he said.
He, however, noted that security conditions have improved in some areas, including routes between Abuja and Kaduna, as well as parts of Zamfara State.
“Some places where there was massive insecurity have really subsided. But they have changed tactics because it’s now guerrilla warfare.
“They have moved to Niger State, Kwara State, and immediately the president appointed the Inspector-General of Police, his first point of call was to Kwara State, as far as Kaiama, where these activities are happening,” Yakassai said.
He expressed confidence that ongoing government efforts would gradually reduce insecurity across the country.
“We know a lot needs to be done to curb this insecurity, but I believe with time, and if all hands are put on deck, it will continue to decline until we eliminate the insecurity situation,” he added.
