Insecurity

By Uzair Adam 

Amid growing security concerns across the country, members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) on Wednesday held a closed-door meeting in Abuja with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar.

The meeting, chaired by the NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, took place at the NGF Secretariat. 

Among the governors in attendance were those of Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Oyo, Kwara, Osun, Plateau, Lagos, Nasarawa, Ekiti, Ebonyi, Kogi, Ondo, Imo, Cross River, Ogun, and Edo states.

Although the agenda was not officially disclosed, the gathering is believed to be connected to the escalating insecurity in parts of the country, particularly the recent deadly attack in Yelewata, Benue State.

Earlier in the day, President Bola Tinubu visited Benue and met with stakeholders at the Government House in Makurdi, where he condemned the killing of over 100 residents in Yelewata. 

He directed the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, to apprehend those responsible.

Sources confirmed that the Abuja meeting involved briefings from the NSA and the Minister of Defence. 

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, traditional rulers, and former state governors were also present at the Makurdi meeting.

President Tinubu queried the lack of arrests and urged the heads of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) to ramp up intelligence efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.

By Uzair Adam 

The Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS) has called on state governments to integrate its command structures into existing security frameworks to strengthen the fight against crime across the country.

The call was made as the Deputy Commander-General (Intelligence), Dr. John Metchie, praised NFSS operatives in Bauchi for their bravery and dedication in curbing criminal activities in the state. 

He also appealed to Nigerians to refrain from stereotyping the Fulani community as inherently violent, pointing out that many of the security challenges are caused by foreign herders entering through Nigeria’s porous borders.

Also speaking, the Assistant Commander-General (Operations), Umar Aliu, revealed that the government has remained supportive of the service by consistently paying salaries to over 800 personnel. 

He added that there is an insurance policy in place, providing N5 million to the families of operatives who lose their lives in the line of duty.

Aliu further disclosed that the state governor has approved the recruitment of 2,000 new operatives and provided vehicles, motorcycles, and allowances to bolster their operations.

By Muhammad Abubakar

A wave of violent attacks across Plateau State over the past week has claimed the lives of at least 41 people, with dozens more reportedly wounded, local sources and security officials have confirmed.

In what residents describe as a series of coordinated assaults, a total of 96 homes were set ablaze in several communities, displacing scores of families and raising fresh concerns over the escalating insecurity in the region.

The attacks, which spanned multiple local government areas, are believed to be part of ongoing communal clashes and reprisal violence that have plagued the state for years. Eyewitnesses recount harrowing scenes of gunfire, arson, and panic as armed assailants descended on their villages under the cover of darkness.

Authorities say security operatives have been deployed to the affected areas, but locals continue to express frustration over what they perceive as a slow or inadequate response to the violence.

While the Plateau State Government has condemned the attacks and promised to bring the perpetrators to justice, humanitarian agencies are calling for urgent relief efforts to support the growing number of displaced persons.

As of the time of this report, no group has officially claimed responsibility for the attacks. Investigations are ongoing.

By Haroon Aremu Abiodun

April is traditionally a month of pranks and laughter. But in Nigeria, the joke was on no one except, perhaps, on a nation whose security architecture is under siege from terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers.

Far from fearing our security operatives, criminal elements across the country displayed shocking audacity, reminding us that the battle for Nigeria’s soul remains bloody and unresolved.

In a horrific display of lawlessness, notorious bandit leader Bello Turji celebrated Eid in Sokoto by executing kidnapped victims, recording and broadcasting the gruesome act without fear of consequences. Across parts of Katsina, Kaduna, and Zamfara, bandits not only continued their reign of terror but have begun levying taxes and operating parallel governments in areas still supposedly under state control.

Compounding public anxiety, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu made headlines when he advised families of kidnapped victims to “stop paying ransom.” While theoretically sound, the reality is far more brutal. Without swift and credible government intervention, desperate families have no option but to finance their tragedies. Until state forces can decisively rescue captives, this vicious cycle will continue.

In just one month, attacks escalated across Plateau, Kwara, and Benue States, leaving communities in mourning. Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents resurfaced with deadly ambushes, signalling their continued relevance in Nigeria’s security equation.

April’s bloodshed has revealed operational lapses and a deep strategic and moral crisis. The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) must urgently intensify efforts, especially by working discreetly with rescued victims to extract intelligence, boost surveillance systems, and dismantle criminal networks worldwide.

While commendable successes by security operatives, such as rescuing hostages and recovering illegal arms, were recorded, they were dwarfed by the scale of atrocities witnessed within just 30 days.

The Department of State Services (DSS), often criticised and even facing calls for disbandment, must seize this moment to redeem itself. Encouragingly, recent commendations from the Plateau State Government and Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna for the DSS’s contributions to curbing insecurity suggest a glimmer of institutional reliability. Their successful arrests of gunrunners and dismantling of kidnapping syndicates are steps in the right direction.

Notably, the DSS also intercepted a British Army Major in Delta State attempting to smuggle 50 AK-47 rifles and ammunition—a major bust, and a signal that the service can perform under pressure. Their ability to withstand calls for the suspect’s release further strengthens public confidence.

Going forward, DSS and ONSA must strengthen collaboration through real-time joint operations, intelligence sharing, and visible outcomes. The Nigerian Intelligence Agency (NIA) also must integrate its overseas capabilities with ONSA’s domestic strategies. Today’s criminals are sophisticated—our response must be smarter.

Beyond the battlefield, Nigeria’s fight against corruption also demands attention. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) must intensify efforts with ongoing arrests of internet fraudsters and by pursuing justice in high-profile cases involving figures like Betta Edu and Sadiya Umar Farouq.

Regarding Aisha Achimugu’s case, the EFCC must adhere to due process and uphold its promise to act with diligence and integrity. Recent arrests, including that of Bauchi State Accountant General Sirajo Muhammad Jaja, show the commission is active, but visibility and transparency are critical.

Despite receiving accolades, such as the Government Spokesperson Award and the Courage in Justice and Transparency Award from the Nigerian Human Rights Community, EFCC must do more to recover funds stolen through schemes like CBEX. Collaborating with Interpol to dismantle international fraud networks and prevent future scams using forged EFCC certificates will reinforce the commission’s credibility locally and abroad.

Transparency is the only antidote to growing public cynicism about the Commission’s integrity.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), though laudably organising programs like its stakeholders’ meeting on accountability in local government, must now transition from talk to action. Corruption within Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) remains rampant. A recent ICPC report showed that over 60% of corruption cases involved diverting healthcare funds—a scandal demanding decisive intervention.

April has ended, but the wounds it inflicted are still fresh. If we’ve learned anything, it is that the fear of the Nigerian state must be restored—not with hollow rhetoric, but through coordinated, courageous, and relentless action.

The enemies of Nigeria no longer fear our uniforms, our institutions, or the name “government.”

The time to act was yesterday. Today is already a dangerous gamble. Tomorrow may be too late.

Haroon Aremu Abiodun is a PRNigeria Fellow and author. He can be reached via exponentumera@gmail.com.

By Prof. Abdussamad Umar Jibia

Some years ago, a group of students from Kaduna state came to my office, lamenting how Muslim elders imposed a Christian candidate on them and rigged him into power. They even told how an Emir and some elders called Islamic scholars and warned them against remonstration in their preachings. “How can we bear this disgrace?” my students were frustrated.

I said, “You can solve the problem and make governance difficult for the imposed Governor”. The young people paid attention, expecting an “academic” solution to their problem. “The Governor cannot rule Kaduna state alone. Since the majority are against him, why not look for and beat up anyone who accepts his political appointment?” I offered.

My students looked at one another and said, “Sir, there will be chaos and mass arrest”. Poor them, they want to bring change, are not happy with what is happening, and are afraid of arrest. “The alternative is to support the unpopular Governor and struggle for your share of the haram”, I finalised the discussion.

In the case of my Kaduna state students, the problem was election rigging, even though there was relative peace in their state, at least up to that time. In the case of Katsina people, it has been killing, kidnapping, rape, stealing, etc. How have the people reacted to the politicians they elected to solve the problem of insecurity? 

Several people have asked why they no longer see my comments on insecurity, and I always reply that I am busy with other things. I am busy, but not too busy to write a few paragraphs to express my opinion. However, it reached a point where I began to ask, as far as insecurity is concerned, who is the culprit? Whom should I write to blame? The Government? The military? The masses?

Going by the advice I gave Kaduna youth, one would expect that no elected politician would have the guts to go to any community ravaged by insecurity in Katsina or nearby states. Unfortunately, that is not the case. I saw people who lost some of their closest relatives to banditry staunchly supporting a politician, whose actions mean that their losses do not matter. Bandits displaced a community, but I saw their youth on social media actively supporting politicians who were giving public money to bandits in the name of the peace agreement.

If you are actively fighting for those victims through writing or interviews, and you offend any politician, you should be ready to get a good beating from some of the banditry victims if that is what would please the politician.

So, whom should I blame? Do the people take no blame? What of the military? Should I write to blame the masses as weak as they are? Should I write to condemn the military as strongly as they are? Should I not be afraid of arrest like my Kaduna students? If I offend the military, and you must surely offend them if you will tell the truth about insecurity, who would bail me out when I am arrested and tagged a troublemaker or any name they decide to give me?

The cheapest people to blame are the politicians. Everybody is against them. Public money is in their hands, and they are spending it on weddings and musicians, just like we witnessed in Katsina. But are all the people criticising them sincere? Would they not do the same if they were in their position? Some of these things were the reason Nigerians voted PDP out ten years ago, and the “saints” they elected are doing the same.

If you are expecting me to continue directing my blame to politicians, you will be disappointed. While they have their fair share of the blame for insecurity, we also have our share as victims. 

The masses should take my advice to the Kaduna youth if they can. They can only beat the politicians or join them. For the politicians, I have no words. Only the masses can deal with them if they take the first side of my advice. For me, I shall keep mum about the military because I am a coward.

For other Nigerians, continue to enjoy yourselves before insecurity reaches your side. I pray it will not.

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

By Anwar Usman

The Nigerian Senate has again summoned all security chiefs to appear before the house next week over the rising insecurity bedeviling the country.

Those summoned include the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar.

Other security agencies are the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, Director General of National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed, and the Director General of Department of State Services Adeola Ajayi.

The president of the Senate Godswill Akpabio, while speaking during Wednesday’s plenary, said the service chiefs were initially invited but could not attend due to scheduling conflicts.

He stated that the rescheduled meeting next week will centered on deliberating on critical security issues inorder to proffer urgent solutions.

The Senate also raised serious concerns over allegations that certain international agencies may be financing the Boko Haram insurgency.

On February 19, security chiefs were summoned to explain allegations that the United States Agency for International Development was linked to funding Boko Haram and other terrorist groups in Nigeria.

The meeting will look into these claims among others, address Nigeria’s broader security challenges, and shape policy responses.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), Prof. Salisu Shehu, has called for the assistance of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in addressing rising crime and insecurity, particularly the recurring theft incidents threatening the safety of the Council’s office.

During a visit to the Commissioner of Police (CP) of the FCT Command, Prof. Shehu emphasized the vital role the police play in ensuring the safety of NERDC’s operations, especially since the office is located on the outskirts of Abuja, making it more vulnerable to criminal activities. He appealed for enhanced security to protect lives and property at the NERDC headquarters.

“We need special attention and support to feel secure in our location,” Prof. Shehu stated, expressing concern over the vulnerability of the staff and office to security risks.

The Executive Secretary also brought up the recent case of stolen solar inverters, which is under investigation by the police. He urged that the case be thoroughly investigated and that the perpetrators be brought to justice, noting that past thefts within the Council remain unresolved. He expressed NERDC’s readiness to fully support the investigation to ensure accountability.

In response, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Criminal Investigation Department, DCP Aliyu Abubakar, welcomed the NERDC management team on behalf of CP Olatunji Disu, who was unavailable due to national duties.

He reiterated the importance of collaboration between educational institutions and the police in ensuring the security of lives and properties, and assured that the police would continue to work professionally to resolve the case and bring the culprits to justice.

By Uzair Adam

The national electricity grid in Nigeria remains vulnerable to frequent collapses due to the government’s inability to repair a critical transmission line in the northern region, hindered by persistent insecurity.

Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, disclosed this during the 2025 budget defense session with the Senate Joint Committee on Power.

Adelabu emphasized the consequences of the damaged Shiroro-Kaduna-Mando transmission line, which has been out of service since it was vandalized in October 2024.

“The Kaduna-Shiroro-Mando line was one of two major lines transmitting power to the north. The other line, Ugwuaji-Makurdi, was also vandalized but has since been repaired.

“However, the Shiroro-Mando-Kaduna line remains down due to security challenges,” Adelabu stated.

He highlighted that the reliance on a single transmission line has left the grid fragile and prone to collapse under strain.

Adelabu further noted that while the government cannot entirely prevent grid collapses, efforts are focused on minimizing their frequency and ensuring rapid restoration.

He acknowledged the collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), led by Nuhu Ribadu, as crucial in combating vandalism, one of the sector’s most significant challenges.

The minister announced a proposed N2 trillion budget for the ministry and its agencies in 2025, with N229 billion allocated to the ministry itself.

He also unveiled a N700 billion allocation for the Power Metering Initiative (PMI), targeting the reduction of the metering gap by next month to enhance billing transparency and curb fraud.

“We are committed to reducing the restoration time after full or partial grid collapses and are working closely with security agencies to address the underlying issues,” Adelabu said.

In addition, the ministry plans to invest N36 billion in distributing transformers across the six geopolitical zones and has proposed the installation of solar lights and CCTV cameras on highways to monitor and deter vandals.

The security-focused proposal falls under a N200 billion sub-head in the 2025 budget.

The minister reaffirmed the government’s determination to secure critical infrastructure and improve power supply across the country.

By Anwar Usman

A meeting between the Northern Governors Forum and Northern Traditional Rulers Council is currently ongoing in Kaduna hoping to tackle the region’s pressing security and developmental challenges.

In attendance at the meeting which took place at the state government House, were Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa.

While welcoming his colleagues, the Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, Muhammadu Yahaya, called for collective action to tackle challenges bedevilling the region.

The region is currently battling with insecurity, economic hardship, environmental degradation, and youth restiveness.

Yahaya emphasized the need for collective action, stating, “Our collective resolve is being tested by the ongoing challenges that we face. However, our unity and commitment to the prosperity of the people remain our greatest source of strength that will enable us to overcome those challenges.”

The governor also acknowledged these challenges, saying, “Terrorism, banditry, kidnap-for-ransom, farmer-herder clashes, drug abuse, the menace of Almajiri and out-of-school children, poverty, and unemployment. We must continue to work with the Federal Government and relevant agencies to provide the necessary support and relief to those affected.”

To tackle these challenges, the governors proposed various ways including “sustaining gains against criminals, studying and implementing the Coalition of Northern Group’s Security Committee report, and engaging with security agencies and civil society groups.

“Investing in education, skills development, and job creation; supporting small and medium enterprises; and attracting investment to northern states; as well providing support to farmers, ensuring rural security, and promoting agro-allied industries.

“Partnering with the Federal Government and stakeholders to build irrigation infrastructure and promote sustainable practices.”

In his remarks earlier, Kaduna Governor and chief host, Senator Uba Sani, while welcoming his colleagues and traditional rulers in the region as well as the Chief of Defence, General Christopher Musa, emphasised unity and collective action against regional challenges.

Sani, also acknowledged the northern Governors’ commitment to peaceful coexistence and shared prosperity, urging that “We must work together to realize our vision of a secure, peaceful, and prosperous North.”

The Governor commended President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to combat insecurity, citing the establishment of a Joint Military Command and Operation Fansan Yamma as clear demonstrations of the Federal Government’s commitment.

By Rabi Ummi Umar

A few weeks ago, Nigeria marked its 64th independence anniversary, commemorating more than six decades since gaining freedom from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960. However, this year’s celebrations were unusually subdued, devoid of the usual fanfare, pomp, thrills and frills. 

The once-familiar scenes of face painting, jubilant crowds, and flags waving in patriotic pride were replaced by an eerie silence that echoed across the nation. Despite this significant milestone, many Nigerians found little reason to celebrate. The mood was sombre, reflecting a collective sentiment that these are not times for revelry.

Instead, citizens believe it is a time for reflection and a renewed commitment to steering the country back toward prosperity, as envisioned by the men and women who fought for the independence we now enjoy. In the eyes of most Nigerians, the celebration only serves as a distraction from the harsh realities of daily life.

The more one reflects on the state of the nation, the more troubling it becomes. What exactly are we celebrating? Is there anything genuinely worth commemorating at this point? After the fireworks, what awaits us—more suffering? The unspoken truth is that the situation has grown so dire that it is almost impossible to ignore the country’s challenges, no matter how much we might want to.

One of the major concerns plaguing citizens is the aftermath of the subsidy removal, which continues to wreak havoc on lives and livelihoods. While the minimum wage has been signed into law, its implementation remains uncertain, casting doubt on the government’s ability to deliver on promises and its tendency to prioritise talk over tangible action. 

These discrepancies raise questions about the effectiveness of policies aimed at alleviating the struggles of Nigerians. Our leaders have made numerous promises, but despite their assurances, little has been done to address the suffering of the people. Take the much-touted Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, for example. Despite promises, these buses have failed to materialise in significant numbers. Even the few introduced fall short of addressing Nigeria’s transportation challenges. 

How much progress can we realistically expect from such initiatives? Unemployment remains a persistent issue, exacerbating the nation’s woes. Although the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported an unemployment rate of 5.3%, many believe the actual figure is much higher, especially given Nigeria’s struggle with accurate population data.

Insecurity is another critical concern. Terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping for ransom plague every region, with countless lives lost, even after ransoms have been paid. Nigerians are grappling with hunger as the crisis reaches alarming proportions. Starvation, suffering, and even death from hunger have become stark realities.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 80 to 82 million Nigerians are at risk of severe hunger if the current trajectory continues. Given our vast agricultural potential, how did we reach this point? Politics in Nigeria remains largely a curse, with politicians exploiting religion, region, and ethnicity to garner support. 

Instead of uniting to solve the nation’s problems, they engage in ridicule, even on pressing national issues, as seen in the aftermath of the President’s October 1 address. Poverty also remains a major concern. The NBS reports that 63% of the population—approximately 133 million people, or six out of every ten Nigerians—are trapped in multidimensional poverty. 

It is little wonder that Nigerians are not in a celebratory mood. So much has gone wrong recently that even wishing someone a “Happy Independence” feels offensive. What, after all, have we indeed achieved in these 64 years? Nigeria has the potential for greatness, and the government can and should do better. President Tinubu, please, we are begging—Nigeria deserves better.

Rabi Ummi Umar is an intern at PRNigeria and a student at Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin. She can be reached via rabiumar058@gmail.com.