Lagos APC Counters Peter Obi’s Killing Field Remark, Cites Military Gains Under Tinubu

 

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed as reckless and baseless the recent comment by Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Mr. Peter Obi, that Nigeria had become a killing field under President Bola Tinubu, with over 10,000 deaths recorded.

In a statement on Tuesday, the party’s spokesman, Hon. Seye Oladejo, said Obi’s remarks were aimed at discrediting the Federal Government’s security efforts.

He insisted that data from the Defence Ministry and the Armed Forces show “remarkable progress” in countering terrorism and banditry across the country.

According to the Defence Ministry’s midterm report (August 2023 – April 2025), 9,415 terrorists were neutralized, over 3,000 suspects arrested, and 5,449 hostages freed. Similarly, figures from the Defence Headquarters indicate that in the last two years, 6,260 terrorists have been killed, more than 14,000 suspects arrested, 5,365 civilians rescued, and crude oil worth over ₦83 billion recovered from criminals.

The APC also highlighted recent operations, including precision airstrikes in Katsina State that freed 76 hostages, and a series of offensives in Borno State that neutralized dozens of extremists and stabilized threatened communities.

Oladejo noted that under Tinubu, the military had expanded its capacity through new fighter jets, helicopters, tactical vehicles, and naval assets, while local arms production at the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) has been boosted.

“The record shows lives saved, communities secured, and terror infrastructure dismantled,” the Lagos APC stated, adding that international and civil society groups have acknowledged improvements in Nigeria’s security architecture.

The party urged opposition leaders to engage constructively rather than resort to fear-mongering, while reaffirming its support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

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THE PRESS RELEASE: 

Lagos APC Blasts Peter Obi’s “Killing Field” Allegation; Military Record Proves Remarkable Progress Under Tinubu

The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) utterly rejects and condemns the reckless allegation by Mr. Peter Obi that “Nigeria is now a killing field with over 10,000 deaths under Tinubu’s watch.” These sensationalist claims are not only baseless—they are a disgraceful distortion of reality made in bad faith to score political points.

Let the record show: Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria’s Armed Forces have delivered extraordinary successes, dismantling terror infrastructure and restoring stability to previously threatened communities.

Hard Data, Not Hype:

 • Defence Ministry Midterm Report (Aug 2023–Apr 2025):

 • 9,415 terrorists neutralized

 • 3,159+ suspects arrested

 • 5,449 hostages rescued



 • Defence Headquarters’ Two-Year Summary:

 • 6,260 terrorists killed

 • 14,138 terrorists and criminals apprehended

 • 5,365 civilians rescued

– N83 billion worth of stolen crude recovered

 • Military Operations Across Regions:

 • In the North-east (Operation Hadin Kai): 1,246 terrorists killed, 2,467 arrested, 1,920 civilians rescued

 • In the North-west (Operation Fasan Yamma): 1,374 bandits killed, 2,160 surrendered or arrested, 3,288 hostages rescued

These are not statistics—they are lives saved, communities secured, and terrorists dismantled.

Impressive Air Power and Hostage Rescue:

 • Just recently, the military airstrikes in Katsina freed 76 hostages, including children—some kidnapped during a mosque attack that claimed at least 50 lives. One child, tragically, died during the rescue, illustrating both the danger and the bravery involved. Additionally, airstrikes eliminated 35 militants in the same region.

 • In Borno State, precision airstrikes killed 35 militants, restoring critical ground communications and stabilizing the area.

 • A weeklong operation in Borno earlier this year neutralized 76 extremists, arrested 72 suspects, and rescued eight hostages.

Technological and Structural Strengthening:

 • Under President Tinubu’s leadership, the Nigerian Air Force has been transformed with modern acquisitions:

 • 24 M‑346 attack jets, 10 AW‑109 Trekker helicopters, among others

 • Conducted nearly 9,928 sorties, 15,915 flying hours, supporting counterinsurgency and anti-sabotage operations

 • The Nigerian Army and Navy have also received cutting-edge hardware—from tactical vehicles to patrol vessels—strengthening ground and maritime security effectiveness.

 • Local defense manufacturing is booming: DICON has produced over 4.6 million rounds of ammunition, 53 MRAPs, 14,040 PPE units, and even drones, reducing dependency on foreign suppliers.

Credible Recognition:

 • The Coalition for Human Rights and Freedom (CHRF) commended the armed forces’ performance, citing that over 13,500 terrorists and criminals were neutralized and nearly 10,000 hostages rescued under coordinated operations.

These are tangible, verifiable successes—nothing like the exaggerated sensationalism offered by Mr. Obi.

In Conclusion:

It is profoundly disappointing that Mr. Obi would resort to fear-mongering rather than engage constructively. The Nigerian Armed Forces, under this administration, are not only standing tall—they are striking back aggressively, saving lives, and securing our nation.

The Lagos APC stands firmly behind the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and our military heroes on the frontline. We invite Mr. Obi and others to acknowledge the progress made or risk being left behind in baseless political dramatics.

Mogaji (Hon) Seye Oladejo

Lagos APC Spokesman 

26/08/25