Former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised President Bola Tinubu for not personally addressing Nigerians after the rescue of abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State.
Atiku said the successful operation was worthy of praise but argued that the president missed a chance to reassure the nation and demonstrate leadership by speaking directly to citizens.
The Nigerian Army announced on Friday that a month-long intelligence-driven operation involving the military, intelligence agencies, the police and local security outfits secured the release of 44 pupils and teachers who were abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State in May.
According to the army, several arrests disrupted the kidnappers’ network, forcing the group to release the victims without any conditions.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku commended the security agencies for carrying out the rescue.
“The rescue of innocent schoolchildren from the hands of terrorists is a victory for our gallant troops and a source of hope for every Nigerian family. They deserve the gratitude of the nation,” he said.
Atiku, however, maintained that while the armed forces delivered, the presidency failed to provide visible leadership.
“Terrorism is unfortunately a global challenge. What distinguishes serious governments from indifferent ones is not whether attacks occur, but how political leaders respond when brave men and women in uniform deliver success against those who seek to terrorise their country,” he said.
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“What Nigerians expected yesterday was to see a Commander-in-Chief leading from the front.
“Following the successful rescue operation, the President ought to have immediately addressed the nation alongside his defence chiefs — not merely to announce the good news, but to brief Nigerians on the operation, acknowledge the bravery of the troops, highlight the lessons learned, reassure families that no effort would be spared to rescue those still in captivity, and send an unmistakable message to bandits and terrorists that the Nigerian state remains resolute.
“Such moments are not ordinary press events; they are defining demonstrations of leadership that strengthen public confidence, boost military morale, and remind criminal elements that they are confronting a government that neither sleeps nor surrenders.”
The former vice-president also questioned why the announcement was left to the president’s media team while Tinubu continued with other engagements.
“The Commander-in-Chief is more than a constitutional title; it is a moral responsibility. In moments of national triumph and national grief, Nigerians expect to see their President embody that office,” he said.
“Leadership is not exercised only behind closed doors; it must also be seen, heard and felt by both the citizens and those who threaten them.”
Atiku stressed that the rescue should not distract from the plight of other Nigerians still in captivity.
“One successful rescue must not become an excuse for self-congratulation. A nation cannot celebrate while other parents still go to bed not knowing whether their children are alive or dead,” he said.
“Our work is not done until every abducted Nigerian is safely reunited with his or her family.”
He urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts against kidnappers, bandits and terrorists until every victim is rescued.
“There is an old African proverb that says, ‘When the drum of danger beats, the village chief does not send a messenger to dance in his place,’” he added.
“Yesterday belonged to our brave soldiers, and they acquitted themselves with honour. But it should also have been the moment for the Commander-in-Chief to stand before the nation, salute their courage, comfort anxious families and send a chilling message to every bandit and terrorist that the Nigerian state will pursue them without rest until every captive is free.
“Leadership is not only measured by victories won on the battlefield, but by the courage displayed from the highest office in moments that define a nation.”