Daniel Bwala, who serves as the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, has asserted that the level of insecurity across Nigeria is not on the rise.
Recent times have seen a resurgence in terrorist activities, including the kidnapping of students in Niger and Kebbi states, and attacks on places of worship and communities nationwide.
For instance, on Wednesday, suspected members of Boko Haram/ISWAP reportedly abducted over 100 women and children from the Ngoshe community in Borno State's Gwoza Local Government Area. During the attack, which occurred shortly after the evening meal for breaking fast, the assailants also killed the town's chief imam, several elders, and soldiers.
Speaking during an interview with Al-Jazeera’s Mehdi Hassan in London, Bwala indicated that the Nigerian government is making concerted efforts to address the security challenges.
He pointed out that Nigeria experienced a significant period of peace in the initial two years of the current administration.
"I admit that we face insecurity in Nigeria, and it was after the 'Christian genocide' hoax narrative that we started seeing a succession of attacks in the country. For the first two years of the present administration, Nigeria enjoyed considerable peace.
"No country globally is entirely free from insecurity. Even parts of London are considered unsafe after dark."
Addressing the recent surge in terrorist incidents in certain regions, Bwala mentioned that Nigeria is collaborating with several nations to combat the escalating insecurity.
"This is partly why the President visited Turkey, where we established a bilateral agreement to tackle insecurity. Similarly, we are cooperating with the United States and other countries. The reason is that since 9/11, terrorism has become a global issue, affecting every nation.
"I cannot confirm that it is getting worse. As a government, we are working tirelessly to resolve the situation.
"I disagree with the notion that it (insecurity) is escalating," he emphasized.
Bwala also criticized Western media for presenting Nigeria and Africa in a negative light. Using a metaphor of a glass of water, he suggested that Western media often perceive it as half empty, whereas Nigerians tend to see it as half full.
"We were aware of the situation in Nigeria before the President took office. When he chose to take decisive actions to steer the country towards a better path, we understood it would provoke strong reactions from many."
He highlighted the government's proactive measures against terrorism, citing the apprehension of Boko Haram and Lakurawa leaders six months prior to a statement by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding insecurity and the designation of Nigeria as a country of particular concern.
"Six months before that, we captured leaders of Boko Haram and Lakurawa, and prior to that, we neutralized several terrorists. The US State Department acknowledged Nigeria's efforts in this regard. The US Embassy recognized these actions even before Trump's statement.
"We declared a national emergency on insecurity six months before Donald Trump's statement, around April or May 2025."
Regarding the increasing trend of kidnappings, Bwala acknowledged that this has evolved into a crime-driven economy.
"I concede that insecurity linked to kidnappings has become a crisis economy, but I am also aware of our government's intensive efforts to address this insecurity.
"Anyone who understands Nigeria's geography and the nature of its security challenges will recognize that we are confronting a complex, multi-faceted problem.
"Concerning the abduction of children, the government has reactivated the Safe Schools Initiative, relocating students from dangerous and remote areas to state capitals to ensure their safety and continued access to education," he added.
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