Former federal lawmaker Dino Melaye has questioned the emphasis placed on insecurity in President Bola Tinubu’s Independence Day broadcast, arguing that the security situation remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing concerns.

Melaye made the criticism in a post on his official X account on Friday, October 2, following the President’s nationwide address to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary.

The former senator argued that insecurity should have received greater prominence in the President’s speech, particularly against the backdrop of continuing reports of kidnapping, banditry and attacks in parts of the country.

Melaye also claimed that more than 1,000 Nigerians were currently being held by terrorists in different locations across the country and said insecurity was preventing some farmers from accessing their farmlands. However, the specific figure he cited could not be independently verified from an official government source.

The former lawmaker questioned why, in his view, the security situation did not receive sufficient attention in the Independence Day address and said the continued loss of lives and disruption of agricultural activities should remain a major national concern.

However, the full transcript of Tinubu’s October 1 address shows that the President did address security in a dedicated section of the speech. Tinubu said security remained central to the government’s national agenda and stated that the Armed Forces and security agencies had intensified operations against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, oil thieves and criminal networks.

The President also said the government was investing in intelligence, surveillance, logistics, technology and coordination among security agencies. He acknowledged that challenges remained but said the administration was working to improve the ability of security forces to protect communities and restore the authority of the state in areas affected by criminal activity.

This means Melaye’s observation that the word “insecurity” appeared only once in the address has some basis if referring specifically to that word. However, the speech itself contained a broader discussion of “security” and the government’s response to the problem.

The debate comes against the background of fresh security incidents recorded during the Independence Day celebrations. In Kaduna State, suspected bandits attacked Babban Saura community in Chikun Local Government Area in the early hours of October 1. A resident identified as Sikiru was killed, while nine people were initially reported abducted. One of the abducted women was later rescued, while other victims remained in captivity according to reports.

The Kaduna incident has added to wider concerns about the ability of communities in affected areas to go about their daily activities safely, including farming and other economic activities.

Security remains one of the major issues confronting Nigeria, alongside economic pressures, unemployment, poverty and other social challenges. The Tinubu administration has repeatedly said it is strengthening security operations and providing additional resources and equipment to security agencies.

At the same time, opposition figures and other critics continue to question the effectiveness of the government’s response and have called for stronger measures to protect communities and prevent kidnappings and attacks.

Melaye’s comments therefore form part of the continuing public debate over the government’s handling of insecurity and whether the measures being implemented are producing sufficient improvements for Nigerians.

While the President’s Independence Day address included a specific discussion of security, the contrasting reactions from government supporters and critics show that the country’s security situation remains a significant and contested national issue.