Why Buhari Couldn’t Defeat Insecurity’ — Former DSS Director Amachree Speaks Out

A former Assistant Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Dennis Amachree, has criticised the administration of late former President Muhammadu Buhari, accusing it of failing to respond effectively to the growing threats of insurgency, banditry and kidnapping across Nigeria.

Amachree made the remarks in his memoir, DSS @40: My Journey Behind the Shield, where he reflected on Nigeria’s evolving security challenges and the government’s response during Buhari’s tenure.

According to the retired intelligence officer, insecurity worsened under the former administration because the threats were not addressed with the urgency and seriousness they required, despite Buhari’s military background.

He also blamed widespread corruption among senior government officials, alleging that ransom payments to kidnappers and bandits indirectly financed criminal activities and strengthened terrorist networks.

Amachree claimed that the payment of huge sums to armed groups encouraged further kidnappings and undermined the government’s efforts to combat insecurity.

“The Muhammadu Buhari administration is widely regarded as a period during which security threats escalated significantly, while government inaction became increasingly evident,” he wrote.

“Although Buhari was a former military general, many believed his administration did little to tackle the rising wave of insurgency, banditry and kidnapping. This created the impression of a government that lacked a clear understanding of, or commitment to, democratic governance and national security.”

He further argued that comments attributed to the former president, including describing Nigerian youths as “lazy” during an international engagement, deepened public frustration at a time of rising unemployment and economic hardship.

According to Amachree, such remarks alienated many young Nigerians and reinforced perceptions that the government was disconnected from the realities facing ordinary citizens.

The former DSS official also alleged that official denials of ransom payments were contradicted by statements from notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, a development he said eroded public confidence in the government.

He argued that reports of ransom payments created the impression that the state was indirectly funding the same criminal groups it publicly claimed to be fighting.

Amachree further accused Nigeria’s political class of frustrating efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability, alleging that many politicians placed personal and political interests above the country’s security.

“The greatest obstacle to peace and stability remains the political class, which has failed to create an environment where citizens can live and work without fear,” he stated.

He added that while the country’s economic and security crises continued to worsen, political leaders often focused on self-interest rather than implementing policies capable of strengthening national unity and improving public safety.