Despite Boko Haram’s mass abduction of 160 persons at Kuchi, a village in Niger state, George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation, says President Bola Tinubu’s government has defeated the terrorist group.

“There is no one that is in doubt of President Bola Tinubu’s giant strides in the last year,” Mr Akume said at a book launch in Abuja on Thursday. He added, “The federal government under President Tinubu’s leadership has defeated Boko Haram terrorists.”

The book, which was launched at Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, was authored to celebrate Mr Tinubu’s achievements in his first year in office. 

Mr Akume’s claim that the Tinubu-led government has defeated Boko Haram terrorists comes just four days after the terrorists killed eight and kidnapped 160 persons during a raid that lasted for several hours on Kuchi, a town in the Munya Local Government area of Niger state. The abducted Kuchi people are yet to be released.

Citing BBC Hausa, Peoples Gazette, on Monday, reported that “The attackers killed eight people and abducted a hundred and sixty people, after breaking into shops and stealing food and necessities.”

Niger State police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun, who confirmed the incident on Monday, said, “Let me get my facts and details,” Mr Abiodun said. 160 might be an exaggeration, but let me get my facts and details. In due course, I’ll revert to you.”

Amnesty International said the abduction of at least 160 people in Kuchi, a village in Munya LGA of Niger, indicates the failure of Mr Tinubu’s government to protect lives.

The attack on Kuchi town comes as another episode of Boko Haram and other armed gangs killing and abducting for ransom in the country under Mr Tinubu’s watch. 

In March 2024, Boko Haram insurgents raided an IDPs camp in Gambarou Ngala, Borno State, abducting over 100 persons, while another group of armed bandits raided LEA Schooll in Kuriga town, Chikun Local government of Kaduna, kidnapping over 250 schoolchildren and teachers. The Tinubu government, however, secured the release of these abducted citizens.

Two weeks ago, bandits dressed in military abducted about 20 people in the Dawaki community in the Federal Capital Territory. Similarly, last week Monday, bandits raided and killed at least 40 persons at Zurak, a village in the Wase Local Government area of Plateau State.
Though Mr Tinubu’s government, marking its one year in office, has come under public criticism amid these waves of attacks, the government has yet to make any statements on the attacks and abductions. 

Opposition leader Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party condemned the attacks in a statement, saying they exposed the propaganda and lies of the Tinubu-led government.