‘Stop Sharing Intelligence With Nigeria’ — APC Chieftain Urges Trump Over Gumi’s Banditry Claims

A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has asked the United States government to suspend intelligence sharing with Nigeria following recent claims linked to Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi concerning bandit activities in the country.

Frank made the call on Wednesday in a statement issued in Abuja. He appealed directly to the administration of former United States President Donald Trump to reconsider security cooperation with the Nigerian government until clear action is taken to address the country’s worsening security situation.

The political activist said the remarks credited to Gumi suggesting that authorities may know the identities and locations of bandits had raised troubling questions among Nigerians about the government’s approach to the fight against terrorism and banditry.

“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,” he said.

Frank argued that attacks by armed groups have continued across many parts of the country despite repeated assurances from government officials that security agencies possess intelligence about the perpetrators.

He said cases of kidnappings and killings have continued to rise in several states, adding that the situation has left many Nigerians worried about the effectiveness of the current security strategy.

According to him, the persistence of the crisis despite international support and intelligence cooperation has created suspicion that some individuals may be benefiting from the insecurity.

“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,” he said.

Frank further alleged that some political actors may be exploiting the security challenges for political advantage ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“They want the insecurity to persist because as long as insecurity continues in the country, it’s an opportunity for them to rig the 2027 general elections in Nigeria.

“They don’t care about Nigerians that are dying. They don’t care about Nigerians that are being kidnapped. They don’t care about the well-being of the people. They don’t care about the suffering of the people. They don’t care about good governance. All they care about is how they will rig themselves back to power using insecurity as cover.”

The APC chieftain therefore urged Washington to exercise caution in its dealings with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in matters relating to intelligence sharing and military cooperation.

“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 also expressed concern that despite the support Nigeria has received from international partners, the security situation on the ground appears to have worsened rather than improved.

“There appears to be a pattern where the government continues to receive security assistance and aid from the United States and other international partners, yet insecurity keeps worsening,” he said.

He noted that Nigerian troops have continued to suffer casualties in the fight against insurgents and bandits across different parts of the country.

“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.

Frank appealed to Trump to take a firmer stance against terrorist groups operating in Nigeria and ensure that stronger actions are taken against those responsible for violent attacks.

“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.

He added that such measures should not depend entirely on collaboration with Nigerian authorities.

“The United States should be ready to take bold steps in confronting terrorist networks threatening Nigeria, even if it means acting independently like it did on Christmas eve against those responsible for the violence,” he said.

Frank, who currently serves as the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East and also as a Senior Advisor to the Global Friendship City Association (GFCA) in the United States, urged the U.S. Congress to pay closer attention to developments in Nigeria.

He said stronger international engagement could help address insecurity while also strengthening democratic institutions in the country.

“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.

He added that Nigeria has the potential to overcome its security challenges if the right actions are taken both locally and internationally.

“With the right actions and international support, Nigeria can defeat terrorism, restore stability and move toward a future where the country can truly become great again,” he said.