Depressing security outlook: By Michael Oyewole

“Nigeria’s security outlook is depressing. The unending attacks suggest a failure of intelligence. Government must rethink its strategy now.”

— Bola Ahmed Tinubu, 14 April, 2014

Nigeria is bleeding. The country is currently experiencing one of the most challenging periods in its history. The violence that once appeared isolated has now become a nationwide epidemic, crossing state boundaries, social classes, religious groups, and ethnic communities. From acts of terrorism, banditry to kidnapping, cult-related killings, and urban crime, insecurity now characterises the Nigerian experience. From the farms of Benue to the villages of Zamfara, from the suburbs of Kaduna to the creeks of the Niger Delta, death has become ordinary. Farmers are slaughtered in their sleep, schoolchildren abducted in broad daylight, travellers burned alive on highways, worshippers gunned down in churches and mosques. The statistics are numbing: thousands of Nigerians lost their lives to violence, thousands more displaced, entire communities erased.

These are not “incidents.” This is a collapse of the most basic duty of any state, protecting the lives of its citizens. Non State actors ride into villages on hundreds of motorcycles, armed with AK-47s and rocket launchers, and operate for hours without a single military jet or helicopter in sight. Terrorists collect taxes, impose curfews, and appoint emirs where governors are powerless. Kidnappers run industrial-scale hostage businesses while security forces claim they “lack intelligence.”

Read Also: Senate panel grills ambassadorial nominees, clears three after intense screening
Kidnapping has evolved into an organised industry of extortion, with families often compelled to gather ransom payments overnight amid fears that the state cannot guarantee their loved ones’ safety. When public confidence in government protection diminishes, the social contract begins to deteriorate.

As Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu bears the constitutional responsibility to protect lives and properties. The nation requires resolute leadership grounded in empathy and decisive intervention.

Mr. President swore an oath to defend the lives and properties of every Nigerian—Muslim, Christian, northerner, southerner, farmer, herder, man, woman, child.

Insecurity is no longer a northern problem or a rural problem—it is an existential threat to Nigeria itself.

When citizens lose faith that the state can protect them, they will protect themselves—by any means necessary. That road leads only to chaos.

Related News
The Constitution clearly stipulates that the security and welfare of the people are the primary responsibilities of government. Without security, economic reforms, infrastructure development, and foreign investment cannot succeed.

A nation in which citizens are afraid to travel, farm, or run businesses cannot experience sustainable prosperity.

The President must recognise that insecurity is not solely a law-and-order issue; it constitutes an existential threat to national unity, food security, and investor confidence.

Overhaul Nigeria’s security infrastructure by implementing modern intelligence systems, fostering inter-agency collaboration, deploying advanced surveillance technologies, and empowering states and communities with decentralised security models.

Treat kidnapping and banditry as acts of terrorism by dismantling their financing networks, blocking supply routes, and deploying specialised units to protect major highways and vulnerable rural areas.

Ensure the security of agricultural zones through safe farming initiatives, expansion of agro-ranger programmes, and strengthened rural policing.

Strengthen the justice system by guaranteeing swift trials for violent crimes and imposing strict sanctions on illegal arms trafficking.

Build trust within communities by leveraging local intelligence, providing compensation for victims, and delivering visible developmental projects in high-risk areas.

Nigeria faces a profound loss of lives and shattered dreams, with families mourning their loved ones.

Government must rise to the occasion.

The nation demands action and solutions. The true measure of this administration will be its capacity to ensure the safety and security of its citizens.

On the issues of security, Mr. President have always posited very strong views, he once said and I quote: “But if you control the armed forces and you are the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic, why should any part of this country be under occupation? And you give us excuses every day. In any civilised country, Jonathan should resign.”

Leadership in governance must be both visible and impactful.

Citizens simply desire the right to live without fear; to travel, farm, send children to school, operate businesses, and sleep peacefully.

Join Very Nigerian WhatsApp Channel
For Verified Breaking News, Exclusive Reports, Trending Stories, And Real-time Updates.
CLICk HERE TO JOIN!