By: Musa Mohammed
A storm of controversy has erupted following the emergence of a viral video allegedly showing Senator Shehu Umar Buba representing Bauchi South Senatorial District and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Security and Intelligence making remarks perceived as sympathetic toward Fulani bandits.
In the video, Senator Buba reportedly criticized the Federal Government’s military operations against Fulani militias, alleging that Fulani bandits were being “oppressed and killed” by security agencies. The statement has drawn sharp condemnation from civil society groups, security analysts, and concerned Nigerians, who see it as a direct threat to national security and a sabotage of ongoing efforts to curb violent extremism, kidnapping, and rural banditry.
Fulanis in Regional Conflicts
According to data cited by the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF), an estimated 75% of insecurity in Nigeria and the broader West African subregion is linked to Fulani or Peul militias. These groups are reportedly involved either directly in violent conflicts or indirectly by facilitating the movement of arms and the coordination of transnational militia networks.
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National Response Network Raises Alarm
In a related development, the National Response Network (NRN), a civil society coalition, has raised strong concerns about the increasing proliferation of light weapons across Nigeria’s northern and central borders. In a statement released on Monday, the NRN called on the Federal Government to urgently address the trafficking of arms, which it described as a critical enabler of kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism across the country.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria should check thoroughly the proliferation of light and dangerous weapons in our borders to avert the impending security threat we face as a nation, where kidnapping and other heinous crimes have become a lucrative business for armed criminals,” the group warned.
The NRN also criticized what it described as the government’s failure to fulfill its constitutional obligation to protect lives and property, accusing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration of prioritizing political ambitions over security governance.
“The government of Bola Ahmed Tinubu seems to have abandoned its constitutional duty of securing the lives and property of citizens while clout-chasing an unrealistic 2027 presidential ambition,” the statement continued. “Insecurity is gradually overwhelming our beloved country.”
Civil Society Demands Investigation
In light of the Senator’s controversial remarks, multiple civil society organizations have demanded a formal investigation into Senator Shehu Umar Buba. Activists argue that no public official particularly one occupying a sensitive role in national security oversight should make statements that could embolden criminal elements or undermine the morale of Nigeria’s armed forces.
“At a time when Nigeria is facing unprecedented security challenges, any public defense of banditry is not only irresponsible, but borders on treason,” said an Abuja-based analyst who preferred not to be named.
As at press time, Senator Buba has not issued an official response to the allegations or the viral video. Instead he’s arresting people who are calling for his investigation using the NSA office to suppressed Voices of Nigerians.
Meanwhile, public pressure continues to mount, with calls for the Senate to review his position as chairman of the Security and Intelligence Committee if the allegations are substantiated.
