Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Economic Affairs, Tope Fasua, has sparked controversy after claiming that Nigeria is safer from phone snatching than countries such as the United Kingdom and Cameroon.

 Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Economic Affairs, Tope Fasua, has sparked controversy after claiming that Nigeria is safer from phone snatching than countries such as the United Kingdom and Cameroon.

Fasua made the remarks while reacting to concerns over rising insecurity and street crime in parts of Nigeria, arguing that incidents of phone theft should not be exaggerated into a national crisis.

According to him, phone snatching and petty crimes occur in many countries around the world and are reportedly worse in places like the UK and neighbouring Cameroon.

His comments quickly triggered backlash on social media, with many Nigerians accusing the presidential aide of downplaying the security challenges faced by citizens, particularly in major cities where cases of robbery and phone theft have become common.

Critics argued that public officials should focus on addressing insecurity rather than comparing Nigeria’s crime situation with other countries. Some users also shared personal experiences of theft and attacks, insisting that street crime remains a serious concern for many Nigerians.

Supporters of Fasua, however, defended his statement, saying he was attempting to place the issue in a global context rather than deny the existence of crime in Nigeria.

The debate has reignited broader discussions about public safety, governance and the perception of insecurity in the country under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Security analysts maintain that while phone snatching is a global urban crime, public confidence in safety often depends on visible law enforcement, quick response systems and effective prosecution of offenders.