Banditry

By Abdulhamid Abdullahi Aliyu

In the early hours of Friday, April 12, 2025, Zike village in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State was reduced to a theatre of blood. At least 40 people, including women and children, were brutally killed by armed assailants who invaded the community under the cover of darkness.

Homes were set ablaze, farmlands destroyed, and hundreds displaced — once again. This is not an isolated tragedy. In less than four months, Plateau State has lost over 400 lives to mindless violence across Mangu, Bokkos, Riyom, Barkin Ladi, and Bassa LGAs.

According to data from local community leaders and humanitarian groups, more than 150 villages have been attacked since January 2024, with thousands displaced and properties worth billions destroyed.

Yet, the response from government authorities has been chillingly muted. Standard condolence statements have followed each carnage, but little in the way of justice or proactive security. For many in Plateau, it feels like being condemned to die in silence.

The question is painfully simple: for how long will this continue? The victims of these attacks are not armed militias or combatants. They are primarily farmers, traders, women, and children — people asleep in their homes, utterly unprepared for war but caught in its crosshairs.

The attackers, on the other hand, are described as well-coordinated, heavily armed, and operating with an eerie sense of impunity. The carnage in Plateau should not be seen as just a “communal crisis.” It is terrorism — plain and simple.

Any act that involves the targeted killing of innocent civilians on such a consistent and organised scale deserves to be treated as a national security emergency. The lack of urgency from both the federal and Plateau State governments is not just disappointing — it is dangerous.

The time has come for both levels of government to stop playing to the gallery and act. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Caleb Mutfwang must rise above politics and confront this crisis with the seriousness it demands.

Enough of the empty press statements. The people of Plateau need protection, justice, and healing, not promises. There must be an immediate and thorough investigation into the Zike killings and all previous attacks across Plateau State.

The security agencies must identify and arrest the perpetrators. Communities cannot continue to bury their dead while those responsible roam free. Beyond this, a special joint military-police operation should be launched in Plateau — not as a temporary show of force, but as a sustained mission to flush out criminal elements and restore peace across all hotspots.

Such an operation should be intelligence-led, with active engagement from community leaders, local vigilantes, and civil society actors. Security operatives must also be adequately funded, equipped, and monitored to ensure professionalism and accountability in the course of duty.

Furthermore, there should be a comprehensive resettlement plan for displaced persons. The IDP camps in Plateau are filled with women and children who have been forgotten by a country that swore to protect them.

The government must support rebuilding destroyed homes, schools, and clinics in the affected communities. Most importantly, the culture of impunity must end. When killers are not punished, others are emboldened.

When justice is denied, peace remains a fantasy. Nigeria cannot claim to be fighting insecurity on one hand and tolerating unaddressed massacres on the other. This country must no longer treat the deaths of rural Nigerians as a footnote in national discourse.

The tears in Plateau are real. The graves are real. The trauma is real. And so must be our response. Plateau State is bleeding. Its people are tired. And the time to act is now — not with words, but with swift, firm, and visible action.

Abdulhamid Abdullahi Aliyu writes from the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC) in Abuja.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, recently claimed that the country has recorded over 90% improvement in security under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He made this assertion in Jos, Plateau State, during a press briefing following a strategic meeting with the Commander of Operation Safe Haven, Major General Folusho Oyinlola. The meeting was convened after a deadly gunmen attack on the Bokkos community, which tragically claimed the lives of hundreds of residents.

Given the context of recent violence, Ribadu’s statement sparked mixed reactions from across the political spectrum. Critics argue that the NSA’s comments are aimed at shaping public perception as politicking for the 2027 general elections approaches. They view the remarks as part of a broader political narrative to build confidence in the administration. On the other hand, supporters commend Ribadu for leading an effective national security strategy, asserting that the improvements are tangible and worth acknowledging.

However, beyond partisan sentiments and political interests, it is essential to examine Ribadu’s claim from an objective standpoint grounded in verifiable data and realistic context. Security issues are too critical to be reduced to rhetoric, hey must be measured by real outcomes that affect the lives of everyday Nigerians.

Regardless of our political leanings, there have been undeniable improvements in some of Nigeria’s most dangerous zones. For example, the Birnin Gwari–Lagos highway in Kaduna State, which was shut for nearly a decade due to the menace of armed bandits, has now reopened to motorists, especially heavy-duty vehicles that previously avoided the route. The once-abandoned Birnin Gwari cattle market, inactive for over ten years, is now gradually returning to life with commercial activity.

Similarly, the Abuja–Kaduna highway, previously infamous for rampant kidnappings and ambushes, is now operational 24 hrs under constant military and police surveillance. Other major highways, such as the Kaduna–Kano expressway and the Jos–Akwanga–Lafia–Abuja corridor, now also witness 24-hour vehicular movement, marking a sharp contrast to the fear and hesitation that characterized travel in these areas just a few years ago.

Still, it’s important to remember that security is both delicate and dynamic. A full year of relative peace can be overshadowed by a single horrific incident. Groups like Boko Haram, ISWAP, and various bandit factions, such as the Lakurawa and Ansaru cells, still carry out attacks on soft targets in rural and semi-urban areas. While the overall frequency and scale of these attacks may be decreasing, their sporadic nature continues to pose serious challenges.

Between 2022 and 2024, several Nigerian security and intelligence agencies have reported significant gains. The Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) indicated a 65% reduction in overall crime and criminality nationwide since May 2023. This figure is based on cumulative data from military operations, police reports, and inter-agency assessments.

The Department of State Services (DSS), particularly in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), recorded a significant decline in high-profile crimes, including kidnappings, armed robberies, and terrorist threats, through 2023 and into early 2024.

The Nigeria Police Force also published extensive data on its security efforts: between 2023 and early 2024, police operations led to the arrest of 30,313 suspects linked to serious crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, and banditry. In the same period, 1,984 illegal firearms were recovered, along with 23,250 rounds of ammunition. Additionally, 1,581 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued across various states.

The proliferation of small arms and light weapons has long fueled Nigeria’s insecurity. However, between 2022 and 2024, the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) recorded historic achievements. In February 2023, the Centre announced that it had recovered more than 10,000 small arms and light weapons from non-state actors during nationwide disarmament operations. By February 2024, the total number of retrieved weapons had increased to 20,000 firearms and over 60,000 units of ammunition.

Furthermore, in September 2024, the NCCSALW undertook the destruction of 30,132 recovered weapons, ranging from decommissioned and unserviceable arms to illicitly owned firearms.

The Nigerian Armed Forces, particularly the Army, have achieved notable success over the past three years. Between 2022 and 2025, military operations resulted in the neutralization of more than 8,034 terrorists across various theatres of operation, including the North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions. In February 2024 alone, 105 terrorists were eliminated during targeted counterterrorism operations. and 140 capture

A total of 6,376 kidnapped victims were rescued from insurgent enclaves and bandit hideouts in 2024 alone, thanks to joint operations involving the Army, Air Force, and local vigilante groups. These successes have contributed significantly to restoring public confidence in the state’s ability to respond to threats.

Additionally, by December 2024, the Nigerian military had dismantled numerous terrorist camps and degraded the operational capabilities of insurgent groups in several flashpoints. More than 20 high-profile bandit leaders and commanders were eliminated in precision operations, including:

 1. Ali Kachalla (Ƙawaje)

 2. Kachallah Dogo Kwaddi

 3. Lawali Dodo

 4. Ɓoderi

 5. Sani Wala-birki

 6. Kachallah Hana-Zuwa

 7. Damina

 8. Kachalla Sani Dangote

 9. Kachalla Adamu

 10. Halilu Sububu

 11. Baleri

 12. Modi Modi

 13. Kachalla Mai Shayi

 14. Kachalla Tsoho Lulu

 15. Ibrahim Nagure

 16. Kachalla Makore

 17. Bulak

 18. Tukur Sharme

 19. Hassan Ɗantawaye

 20.Ɗan-Isuhu

These names had long terrorised communities, operated illegal taxation systems, and masterminded large-scale abductions. Their deaths signal a turning point in Nigeria’s war against insecurity—at least in the short to medium term.

Critics, supporters, and objective observers alike hold valid perspectives on Ribadu’s claim. Security cannot be judged solely by statistics or isolated incidents—it must be assessed holistically, with a view to sustainability. While it would be inaccurate to declare total victory over insecurity, the data and field reports suggest that Nigeria is making measurable, strategic progress.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with complex internal threats, public expectations remain high. Citizens want not just temporary relief but long-term stability. Ribadu’s statement may be politically timed, but the figures back up his assertion, at least in terms of trend and direction. Whether or not one agrees with the 90% figure, one thing is clear: the tide appears to be gradually turning in favour of the state.

The challenge now is to sustain these gains, institutionalise reforms, and ensure that security is perceived and lived by every Nigerian in every part of the country.

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja via zaymohd@yahoo.com.

By Safiyanu Ladan 

The Kaduna State government recently announced that it has entered a peace deal with notorious bandits, particularly in the Birnin Gwari and Giwa Local Government Areas. The aim of the deal is to end banditry in the region. This development is a positive step forward.

For years, bandits have wreaked havoc on local communities, resulting in thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions. Their actions have severely disrupted the socioeconomic activities of these areas.

According to the government, the peace deal is yielding positive results. Relative stability has returned to the affected regions. A cattle market that had been closed for decades has resumed operations, and residents can now go about their daily activities without constant fear of attacks or kidnappings.

However, although relative peace has been observed in the northern part of the state over the past few months, the situation in the southern part is significantly different. Recently, residents of Anguwan Ate in Kachia Local Government Area have staged protests due to the ongoing attacks and kidnappings carried out by bandits.

The resurgence of kidnappings in certain areas of the state following the peace deal is concerning. The government and other stakeholders involved in brokering this peace agreement need to reassess the situation and address any existing loopholes to prevent an escalation of violence.

Safiyanu Ladan wrote from Kaduna.

By Uzair Adam  

Fifteen individuals, identified as members of local vigilante groups, lost their lives on Saturday due to an accidental military airstrike in Tungar Kara and surrounding villages in Maradun and Zurmi Local Government Areas of Zamfara State. 

The Daily Reality reports that over 30 others sustained injuries in the incident.  

Residents disclosed that the tragedy occurred after successfully repelling bandits in two separate attacks. 

According to Musa, a resident of Jan-Bako, bandits had invaded the villages on Friday but were driven away by armed locals. 

“On Saturday, the bandits regrouped and returned, but we fought back and chased them out again,” Musa explained.  

While villagers stationed themselves on nearby hills to monitor any potential return of the bandits, a military jet reportedly mistook them for criminals. It launched an attack, resulting in civilian casualties.  

Muhammad Aminu, another local, lamented the tragedy, saying, “After chasing away the bandits, a military fighter jet bombed our people. It is devastating and deeply regrettable.”  

A police officer in Maradun LGA confirmed that most victims were vigilantes and members of the Zamfara Community Protection Guards (CPG) who had been pursuing the fleeing bandits. 

“Their outfits might have led to the mistaken identification as bandits,” the officer added.  

The Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, extended his condolences to the victims’ families in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris. 

While commending the military’s efforts against banditry, the governor described the incident as an unfortunate error. 

“We pray for the repose of the souls of the deceased and will support their families,” the statement read.  

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) confirmed it had carried out airstrikes targeting bandits in the area. 

In a separate statement, NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, said top bandit commanders were neutralized during the operation. 

However, the statement did not directly address the civilian casualties, noting that precision targeting and real-time intelligence were used during the strikes.  

Despite successes reported by the NAF in degrading bandit networks, locals expressed frustration over recurring civilian deaths in military operations. 

This incident brings the total number of deaths from accidental military airstrikes in Nigeria over the past 11 years to 465, according to data compiled by Daily Trust.  

Residents have called for enhanced intelligence-gathering to prevent further loss of civilian lives in the fight against banditry.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Bashir Saidu, the chief of staff to Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, was arrested by Operation Fushin Kada, formerly Operation Yaki, on Tuesday.

Mr Saidu, a top political ally of Mr El-Rufai, was rounded up by the operatives of the anti-banditry police outfit in the Rigachikun area, allegedly on the orders of the state government.

Sources said the operatives earlier laid ambush near Mr Saidu’s residence at Coronation Crescent, Kaduna, before pinning him down at Rigachikun.

A source familiar with the development said he was first taken to the Operation Fushin Kada office at Constitution Road, where they took his statement and later arraigned him at a magistrate’s court in Rigasa.

“I wonder why Operation Yaki [Operation Fushin Kada] will involve itself in a clear case of political witch-hunt and repression against loyalists of former Governor El-Rufai.

“The operatives have abandoned their job of protecting the citizens against bandits and kidnappers to harass innocent citizens. It is strange that Operation Yaki is now preparing FIR and filing charges against perceived opponents of the governor.

“Despite giving a satisfactory statement, denying involvement in money laundering and sale of 12 government houses, the operatives nevertheless took Bashir Saidu to court,” said the source.

After hearing the arguments of the prosecution and defence counsel, Magistrate Muhammad Lawal Musa rejected the bail application and ordered the former chief of staff remanded at Kaduna Central Prison.

The case was adjourned to January 21, 2025.

Sources familiar with Kaduna politics said politicians loyal to Mr El-Rufai are currently facing charges either in the state or at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, EFCC or ICPC.

A spokesman for Governor Uba Sani, Ibraheem Musa, could not be reached when filing this report.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Kaduna State Peace Commission has declared 2024 as a peaceful year free from all kinds of violence.KSPC’s executive vice-chairman, Sale Momale, disclosed this during a meeting jointly organised by the commission and the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP), facilitated by AID Foundation in Kaduna.

He said there was no single record of conflict between herders and farmers, and there was no politically-induced violence even during the local government and by-elections of Kaduna.Mr Momale added that there was no violent confrontation bordering chieftaincy disputes or violence over boundary matters.

“We salute and appreciate the people of Kaduna state for making this possible, including our various stakeholders that have worked very hard to make this a practical reality.

“The major challenge in terms of peace and security are the activities of criminal groups and gangs, which are a national and regional dilemma in which the worst affected states in the country are in the North-West geopolitical zone,” he said.

Mr Momale explained that Katsina and Kaduna, as well as Zamfara and Niger, were having the highest issues related to criminal activities by bandits and other associated militant groups.

Mr Momale said despite these issues, the commission has been engaging the state and federal governments and was hopeful that the issues would be addressed soon.

He urged faith-based organisations, NGOs, and the Network of Peace Journalists to collaborate with the commission to campaign to end banditry in Kaduna.

Mr Momale commended the government’s effort to bring peace to Birnin Gwari LGA, saying such efforts should be replicated in other council areas plagued by banditry.

By Prof. Abdussamad Umar Jibia

For nearly a decade, the North West geopolitical zone of Nigeria has been suffering from the menace of banditry. The bandits who live in the vast forest spanning several states in the Northwest and North-central zones started as cattle rustlers before metamorphosing into fully pledged armed robbers. They attack communities, schools, travellers, etc. Wherever they go, it is a story of killing, kidnapping, rape, arson and other unprintable atrocities. 

Bandits lack the civility of the erstwhile armed robbers. In those days, armed robbers only sought money and valuables like jewellery. Once they had them, they were satisfied and would leave without dropping blood. That is not the case with bandits. When they visit a community or block travellers on highways, they usually start by killing some before kidnapping others. 

Payment of ransom is not a guarantee of getting the kidnapped victim freed. They may collect ransom from relatives and still kill the victim. There are many examples. 

Bandits’ locations and leaders are well known to the Government and members of the communities in which they operate. Many of them serve as the de facto government in their domain of operation. This is not a story I am telling from one of those video clips circulating on social media. Some of my blood relatives have been going to work on the farm of the bandits’ kingpin, who is in charge of their area. 

To agree to live under the protection of an “officer”, the de facto rural government of Jibia and Batsari, a village has to send its elders with some money to go and beg for him to accept them. You may wish to go back to my writeup on “Submission to bandits authority”.

However, an “officer” is not the only bandit leader known to the government and the people. There are more deadly and more popular “officers”. One of them is Ado Aleru, who killed dozens of villagers in Katsina State and told the BBC Hausa service that he doesn’t kidnap; he only kills. Asked to give the number of people he killed, he said it is too large to remember.

Another officer is Bello Turji, who, among other crimes, once burned a passenger bus with 30 people in it days after opening fire on a village market that claimed 60 lives in Zamfara state. He is popular because he speaks frequently to the public. That, however, doesn’t make him the deadliest.

Dogo Gide is another “officer” who was notorious for, among other things, the abduction of 90 students and teachers of FGC Yauri, 11 of whom he married off in the process. 

Among the many popular “officers” is Dankarami, who publicly confessed to killing many combined troops of Nigeria and Niger Republic in addition to kidnapping and killing many innocent citizens in Katsina and Zamfara state. 

The above crime leaders and several others in their category are still alive and active.

The Buhari administration made the first blunder in dealing with the menace of banditry. The federal government under Buhari asked governors of the affected states to strike a peace deal with the bandits. Peace agreements were sealed between some state governments and bandits in 2016 and 2019; in both cases, the latter reneged. 

Unlike what some of their sympathisers would want us to believe, the bandits are not freedom fighters but pure criminals and stark illiterates. The only thing that would make them drop their weapons is a continuous flow of cash from the Government, the kind of cash they make from their criminality. That is unrealistic for a Government struggling to pay its civil servants a paltry minimum wage. Hence, the peace deals were failed under Buhari.

Bandits’ sympathisers who gave Buhari the wrong advice have found their way into the Tinubu Government. The first indication of that is what a young Islamic scholar revealed early this year. The scholar alleged that, under the financial influence of unnamed federal defence officials, some Islamic scholars are campaigning for not just amnesty for bandits but their appointments into public offices by the government. He alleged that he was among those invited to participate in the campaign but refused.

As far as we know, the federal government did not deny Sheikh Koza’s claims. If he had lied, he would have been arrested and asked to name the defence officials. Neither of those things happened.

Then came the kidnap and murder of the Emir of Gobir. With the public outcry that followed, the Federal Government had to show its will to fight banditry. Thus, the Minister of State of Defence and service chiefs were asked to move to Sokoto and end banditry. However, despite the budget, since the movement of the minister and service chiefs to Sokoto, the only bandit of note who was killed/arrested by the Government is Halilu Sububu. Banditry business has continued as usual, even with the presence of our nation’s security heavyweights.

For example, as reported by national dailies, the Funtua-Gusau highway was blocked by bandits on several occasions during this period with no consequences. For frontline local Governments in Katsina state, the attacks became worse. The only place considered safe in my local Government area was Jibia town, the local government headquarters. However, since the so-called “Operation Fansan Yamma” started, Jibia town has lost its safety as bandits attacked, killed and kidnapped with impunity.

As Nigerians were waiting anxiously for the expected miracle due to the presence of security chiefs, the Lakurawa issue came up. According to sources, Lakurawa is a group with similar ideologies to Boko Haram. They have a total number of just 250 in Nigeria and no cases of frequent attacks on communities. Lakurawa militants are said to have been in Nigeria for some years at the instance of some Kebbi communities who sought their protection against bandits. 

The question here is, why is the issue of Lakurawa now being brought up when we have a more serious problem to solve? Lakurawa are obviously not as dangerous as the bandits, and their presence in Nigeria has been linked to the failure of the government to protect citizens from bandits.

From day one, the approach of this and immediate past governments has made Nigerians believe they are not ready to end banditry. If they are now talking about some Lakurawa instead of our real problem, why should we not think they are using it to divert our attention?

My advice to President Tinubu is to remember that he was elected by Nigerians. Ribadu, Badaru, Matwalle or Christoper Musa did not contest and win an election. The president is responsible for appointing his aides, continuously monitoring them, and ensuring they are doing the right thing.

That the officials mentioned above are Northerners is immaterial.

Professor Abdussamad Umar Jibia wrote via aujibia@gmail.com.

By Fatima Dauda Salihu

Nigeria is a beautiful country with diverse cultures and vibrant people. Unfortunately, insecurity has become a significant problem in recent years, causing many to live in fear and struggle to access essential services. 

Despite being culturally rich and endowed with abundant mineral resources, Nigeria struggles with insecurity primarily due to negligence by the government and its citizens. Nigeria faces insecurity challenges across all six geopolitical zones. This insecurity takes various forms, including insurgency, terrorism, communal clashes, banditry, kidnapping, and piracy, and is fuelled by deep-rooted socio-economic, ethnic, and religious tensions.

The consequences of insecurity in Nigeria are dire, leading to displacement of communities, loss of livelihoods, economic stagnation, human rights abuses, and psychological trauma.

Effective governance is critical in addressing insecurity. The government must provide leadership, resources, and policy direction to tackle insecurity. Citizens also have a vital role to play by engaging in community policing, reporting suspicious activities, and promoting tolerance. 

The private sector can also contribute by investing in security initiatives and socio-economic development projects. Civil society organisations can advocate for policy changes and community empowerment. We can restore peace, stability, and prosperity to Nigeria by working together.

Strengthening institutions and promoting good governance, investing in education, enhancing security infrastructure and capacity building, promoting community engagement and conflict resolution, and addressing socio-economic inequalities can help mitigate if not. 

In conclusion, addressing the challenge of insecurity in Nigeria requires a holistic and multifaceted approach that encompasses effective governance, community engagement, strategic coordination among security agencies, and long-term investments in education and socio-economic development.

Ultimately, Nigeria’s future depends on our collective ability to address insecurity and promote peace, stability, and development. We owe it to ourselves, our children, and future generations to take action and create a better Nigeria.

Fatima Dauda Salihu wrote from Bayero University, Kano. 

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

In recent times, Nigeria has faced a concerning increase in audacious attacks on its critical national assets and infrastructure. These assaults, carried out by bandits, insurgents, and vandals, threaten the stability and security of the nation. The targeted facilities are essential for the country’s economic growth and public safety. 

On January 14, 2022, the 132 kV Ahoada-Yenagoa transmission line towers belonging to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) were vandalised.

On March 28, 2022, the Abuja-Kaduna train was attacked by insurgents. The incident occurred in the evening when the train from Abuja was en route to Kaduna. This attack tragically resulted in casualties and the abduction of several passengers. Train services on the Abuja-Kaduna route were halted for many weeks.

On September 25, 2022, vandals attacked the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) towers 303 and 304 along the Jos road, disrupting electricity to the entire Northeast for weeks.

On June 20, 2024, the rail fittings installed on the Second Niger Bridge were uprooted and vandalised.

On June 11, 2024, insurgents attacked TCN towers T193 and T194 along the Damaturu-Maiduguri 330 kV Single Circuit Transmission Line, leaving Maiduguri and its environs in darkness for weeks.

In July this year, a report published by Thisday Newspaper estimated that Nigeria lost approximately $3.57 billion in just the first five months of 2024 due to oil theft, which was largely attributed to pipeline vandalism and militant activities.

Experts suggest improvements have been made in security measures to protect oil and related assets, with around N50 billion allocated annually for local security contractors. Furthermore, the Joint Task Force (JTF), known as Operation Delta Safe, comprises all branches of the armed forces and Federal Road Safety Corps members to tackle this challenge. The Nigerian Navy has also initiated Operation Delta Sanity to bolster maritime surveillance.

It appears that bandits, vandals, and insurgents are becoming more daring and sophisticated than the strategies implemented to combat and prevent attacks on critical national assets. What needs to be done? 

The government should consider utilizing technology in addition to its boots-on-the-ground strategy. For example, Nigeria can deploy advanced SCADA systems to monitor critical national assets and infrastructure, such as power grids, water treatment plants, oil and gas pipelines, transportation networks, and communication systems. 

Secondly, while the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) is doing good work protecting some oil pipelines, it should be retooled, adequately staffed, and better funded. More personnel should be deployed to protect critical power transmission lines and towers, as the core mandate of Civil Defence is safeguarding critical infrastructure—safeguarding government facilities and installations. The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) should enhance its manual and high-tech monitoring systems, including drones and real-time surveillance. 

Additionally, the TCN’s public relations strategy should be improved. Showcasing to the world that insurgents can disrupt the northern Nigerian electricity supply was a significant PR blunder, providing free publicity for the bandits, insurgents, and vandals. 

Any country that fails to adequately protect its national assets and infrastructure will compromise its national security, compromising economic stability, public safety, and resilience to disasters, which may result in social disorder. 

For instance, the frustration in the north, caused by nearly ten days of blackouts in the region, stems from an attack on critical national assets—the 330 kV Shiroro-Kaduna transmission lines 1 and 2. Nigeria’s international respect and reputation are at stake, as protecting critical national assets and infrastructure is integral to global security frameworks. 

 Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja via zaymohd@yahoo.com.

By Zainab Abubakar Abba

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, has been grappling with insecurity for decades. The country’s protracted conflicts, terrorist attacks, and banditry have led to widespread displacement, forcing millions to flee their homes in search of safety.

The Boko Haram insurgency, which began in 2009, has ravaged the northeastern region, particularly the Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states. The terrorist group’s relentless attacks on civilians, schools, and religious institutions have resulted in unprecedented displacement. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), over 2.5 million people have been internally displaced in Nigeria, with the majority being women and children.

In addition to Boko Haram, banditry and kidnappings have become rampant in various parts of the country. The northwestern states of Zamfara, Kaduna, and Katsina have borne the brunt of these attacks, with thousands forced to flee their homes. The Nigerian government’s inability to curb these security threats has exacerbated the displacement crisis.

The consequences of displacement are far-reaching. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) face immense challenges, including loss of livelihoods, inadequate shelter, food insecurity, psychological trauma, and lack of access to education. Many IDPs have abandoned their farms, businesses, and livelihoods, leading to economic instability. Overcrowded and unsanitary IDP camps have become breeding grounds for diseases.

The Nigerian government has established the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) to coordinate relief efforts. However, critics argue that the government’s response has been inadequate, citing insufficient funding, ineffective security measures, and a lack of durable solutions.

The international community has provided significant humanitarian aid, but more needs to be done to address the root causes of displacement. The United Nations, European Union, and other organisations have provided emergency assistance, supported peace-building initiatives, and advocated for policy change.

Nigeria’s insecurity has resulted in one of the largest displacement crises in Africa. The government, international community, and humanitarian organisations must work together to address the root causes of conflict and insecurity, provide durable solutions, and ensure accountability. The situation demands collective action to stem the tide of displacement and ensure the safety and dignity of Nigeria’s citizens.

Zainab Abubakar Abba wrote from the Department of Mass Communication, Bayero University, Kano.