Former Chief of Staff to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, has said the former leader was deeply troubled that he could not solve Nigeria’s security problems before leaving office.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Gambari said Buhari recorded some success in the fight against Boko Haram but remained unhappy that insecurity persisted in other regions.
“One of the things that pained him the most is that he was unable to do more about the security situation before he left office,” Gambari said.
He explained that Buhari was particularly worried about banditry, kidnappings, and violent attacks in the North-West and North-Central parts of the country.
“The situation in the North-West and North-Central pained him a lot. He felt he had done all he could for the people,” he said.
Gambari also dismissed claims that there were coup threats against Buhari’s government before the 2023 handover, saying he was not aware of any such information reaching the former president.
He added that although Buhari had strong ties with the military, he always respected democratic rules and operated strictly within the constitution.
Gambari further described Buhari as a leader who was loyal to people who supported his personal and political growth.
Buhari served as Nigeria’s president from 2015 to 2023 and earlier ruled as military head of state between 1983 and 1985. He died in July 2025 at the age of 82.