Olusegun Ariyo
The Lagos State chapter of the All-Progressives Congress, APC, has lashed out at former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his description of Nigeria as a “killing field” under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with alleged deaths surpassing 10,000.
In a statement issued on Monday, the ruling party described Obi’s remarks as “reckless, unfounded and purely driven by political desperation,” arguing that the security situation in the country has witnessed “substantial gains” under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Citing data from the Ministry of Defence and Defence Headquarters, the APC said that between August 2023 and April 2025, troops eliminated 9,415 terrorists, apprehended more than 14,000 suspects, and rescued over 10,000 hostages. Security operations, it added, also recovered stolen crude oil worth an estimated N83 billion.
The party highlighted regional operations to back its claims. According to the statement, Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East accounted for 1,246 terrorists neutralised, 2,467 arrests, and nearly 2,000 hostages freed. In the North-West, Operation Fasan Yamma reportedly eliminated 1,374 bandits, while over 2,100 others were either arrested or surrendered, with more than 3,000 civilians rescued.
It referenced recent air raids in Katsina, where 35 militants were killed and 76 captives freed, though one child tragically lost his life during the operation. Similar strikes in Borno State, the APC added, wiped out dozens of extremists and restored calm to vulnerable communities.
The statement also noted that President Tinubu’s administration has strengthened the Nigerian Air Force with new aircraft, enabling nearly 10,000 sorties in counter-terrorism and anti-sabotage missions. Local defence capacity, through the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, DICON, has also expanded with the production of tactical vehicles, ammunition and drones.
Quoting a report from the Coalition for Human Rights and Freedom, CHRF, the Lagos APC maintained that over 13,500 criminals have been neutralised and close to 10,000 hostages rescued through coordinated military action in the last 20 months.
“Regrettably, Mr Obi has chosen to spread fear and paint Nigeria in the darkest colours rather than acknowledge clear progress,” the statement read. “Our armed forces are not only holding their ground but also saving lives daily through relentless sacrifice and commitment.”
The party stressed its confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership and saluted security personnel for their bravery, urging critics to “rise above baseless political rhetoric and recognise the progress achieved in securing the nation.”
