The Transformative Governance Forum (TGF) has mounted a robust defence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s handling of Nigeria’s security challenges, arguing that critics blaming the administration for persistent insecurity are ignoring key achievements and failing to present viable alternatives.
In a statement released on Saturday by its Strategic Communications Directorate, the group dismissed attacks on the President’s security record as “noise” rather than constructive governance criticism, insisting that the Tinubu administration has invested unprecedented resources and political will in tackling insecurity across the country.
According to TGF, the Federal Government has allocated more funding to defence and internal security than any previous administration, while also pursuing reforms and operational measures aimed at strengthening the country’s security architecture.
The group highlighted the creation of the Forest Guard initiative as one of the administration’s most significant innovations, arguing that it reflects a deeper understanding of the security threats posed by bandits and insurgents operating from forested areas.
TGF also credited the administration with advancing state and community policing reforms, a long-standing demand by many stakeholders, while noting ongoing efforts to improve military logistics, intelligence sharing and equipment procurement.
The forum maintained that Nigeria’s security challenges must be viewed within the context of a wider regional crisis, pointing to the growing influence of terrorist and criminal groups across the Sahel region, particularly in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.
“The real question is whether the government’s response is commensurate, committed and structurally sound. The evidence says yes,” the group stated.
While defending the administration’s record, TGF urged President Tinubu to intensify efforts by adopting what it described as more audacious and innovative security measures.
Among its recommendations were the large-scale deployment of surveillance and armed drones across conflict-prone areas, engagement of private military contractors for specialised operations, establishment of a real-time intelligence fusion centre, formalisation of community vigilante networks and stronger regional military cooperation with neighbouring countries.
The organisation also challenged opposition figures and potential presidential aspirants ahead of the 2027 elections to move beyond criticism and present detailed security blueprints to Nigerians.
“Publish a security doctrine. Not a speech. Not a press statement. A doctrine,” the forum said, arguing that meaningful debate should focus on practical solutions rather than political rhetoric.
TGF concluded by urging the President to build on existing reforms and demonstrate that the government is prepared to exhaust every available option in the fight against insecurity.
