Frank Demands US Halt Nigeria Security Cooperation Over Gumi Statements

A former deputy national secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has urged the United States government to suspend intelligence sharing and security cooperation with Nigeria following recent remarks attributed to Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi regarding banditry and terrorism.

Frank made the call in a statement while reacting to comments attitibuted to Gumi suggesting that Nigerian authorities might know the identities and locations of bandits, a claim he said raises important questions about the country’s security situation.

Gumi had stated in an interview with DRTV that dialogue could help address violence in northern Nigeria, adding that his interactions with bandit groups are not conducted alone but involve security agencies.

However, Frank said Nigerians deserve clarification if authorities indeed know the identities and whereabouts of bandits operating in different parts of the country.
He noted that the continued cases of kidnappings and killings across the country have heightened public anxiety over insecurity.

“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.

“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,” Frank said.

The former APC chieftain also advised the United States to exercise caution in its security cooperation with the administration of 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.

Frank added that despite international assistance provided to Nigeria in its fight against insurgency and banditry, Nigerian soldiers continue to face serious risks in ongoing security operations.

“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.

He also appealed directly to Donald Trump to adopt a firm stance against terrorist groups operating in Nigeria.

“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.

According to him, the United States could also assist Nigeria by supporting efforts aimed at strengthening democratic processes.

“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 further called on the United States Congress to pay closer attention to developments in Nigeria, particularly regarding security and democratic governance.