Public reactions have followed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to the United Kingdom, as many commentators questioned the appropriateness of the trip at a time when insecurity is increasing in Borno State and several other parts of Nigeria.
It will be recalled that President Tinubu travelled to the United Kingdom for an official engagement with British monarch King Charles III. The visit, described as a historic state engagement, marks the first time in nearly forty years that a Nigerian leader has undertaken such a high-level visit to the UK.
The President travelled together with the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, and members of his delegation have already arrived in London.
Aside from the First Lady, the list of government officials who accompanied the President has generated discussions across social media platforms, with many Nigerians expressing concern over the size of the entourage.
During the visit, the Nigerian leader was formally received at Windsor Castle with full royal ceremony and traditional pageantry.
However, several critics have argued that the trip came at the wrong time, especially considering the recent surge in security challenges across the country. Some observers also described the presence of numerous senior officials, including security personnel, as insensitive given the situation at home.
A number of political leaders, opposition figures, and security analysts spoke on the development.
Officials responsible for security should remain in the country during crisis – Abdullahi
Bolaji Abdullahi, the National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), criticised the decision for key government officials to travel abroad while the country is facing security threats.
According to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the visit was aimed at strengthening diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, particularly in areas such as immigration cooperation, trade, investment opportunities, and cultural exchange.
The President travelled alongside the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, as well as several high-ranking government officials including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, among others.
The trip took place shortly after coordinated bomb explosions occurred in Maiduguri, Borno State. The attacks targeted the Monday Market, the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Post Office Flyover area.
Reports indicated that the explosions resulted in the death of 23 people, while more than 100 others sustained injuries, raising new concerns about the security situation in the region.
Reacting to the development, Abdullahi said the timing of the visit was unfortunate, even if the trip had been scheduled earlier.
He stated that officials responsible for protecting citizens should not be outside the country during a national security emergency.
He explained that although the visit might have been planned before the incident, many Nigerians expected the President to return immediately after the attacks.
He also expressed disappointment at what he described as the absence of urgency, noting that the country is currently facing serious security challenges.
According to him, the presence of a large delegation, including individuals directly responsible for national security, gave the impression that the situation at home was not being treated with the seriousness it deserves.
UK trip reflects lack of empathy from leadership – Mukhtar Adnan
Mukhtar Adnan, a former aspirant for the Kano State House of Assembly, also criticised the President’s decision to travel at a time when the country is dealing with growing security threats.
He said the visit created the impression that the leadership lacks empathy toward citizens affected by violence.
Adnan further questioned the inclusion of top security officials in the delegation, saying their presence abroad sends the wrong message about the government’s priorities.
He stressed that national security should remain the most important responsibility of any administration, particularly when attacks are still occurring in parts of the country.
According to him, the trip could have been postponed until the situation improved.
He added that if he were in the position of the President, he would have suspended the visit until stability was restored.
President’s presence important, but institutions are more critical – Bokaji
Retired Army Captain and security analyst Adamu Bokaji offered a more balanced view, saying that while the physical presence of the President can boost morale and show commitment, long-term success against insurgency depends on strong institutions and consistent policies.
Speaking on the security situation in Borno State, he described the environment as sensitive and unstable.
According to him, the current situation shows that the fight against insurgency is still ongoing and requires sustained effort.
He explained that the President’s presence can help in decision-making and may encourage security personnel, but real progress depends on effective structures, proper coordination, and long-term strategy.
Bokaji also outlined steps the government should take to improve the fight against insurgency.
He said intelligence gathering must be strengthened, troop welfare should be improved, and cooperation between security agencies needs to be enhanced.
He also advised that surveillance should be increased, especially in areas considered high-risk.
More reactions follow UK visit after Borno bomb attacks
Several political organisations and public figures also reacted to the bomb explosions in Borno State, expressing concern over the worsening security situation.
Among those who spoke were Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Amnesty International.
In a statement, the ADC said the safety of citizens must always come before political events and diplomatic engagements.
The party urged the President to return to Nigeria immediately and focus on protecting lives and property.
Presidency responds to security concerns
The Presidency later reacted to the bomb incidents in Borno State.
President Tinubu directed security chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri in order to take charge of operations following the attacks.
He condemned the explosions, describing them as desperate acts carried out by criminal and terrorist groups attempting to spread fear.
According to the President, the attacks are signs that terrorists are under pressure from the armed forces and security agencies.
He assured Nigerians that the government will continue to intensify efforts against criminal elements across the country.
The President also stated that he had recently approved additional equipment and operational support for security agencies to strengthen their capabilities.
He added that emergency response agencies were instructed to provide proper treatment for injured victims.
The statement further emphasised that terrorists would not be allowed to find safe haven anywhere in Nigeria.
Government officials visit victims
Vice President Kashim Shettima later visited injured victims in Maiduguri, accompanied by the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Usman Kadafur, the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Zubaida Umar, and other senior officials.
During the visit, the Vice President assured citizens that the administration remains committed to ending terrorism.
He said victims would receive adequate support, noting that NEMA, the Northeast Development Commission, and the Borno State Government had already been mobilised to assist those affected.
Earlier, former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, together with Vice President Shettima, had attended the swearing-in ceremony of Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his second term.
Situation in Borno currently calm – Deputy Governor
The Deputy Governor of Borno State, Umaru Kadafur, later stated that the situation in the state has returned to calm.
He advised residents to remain alert, avoid crowded places, and report any suspicious activity to security agencies.
He also assured the public that authorities are taking necessary steps to maintain peace and prevent further attacks.
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