Insecurity Crisis: Time for Leadership, Not Lip Service"

#by Zainab Bukar Maijalo 

The recent resurgence of insecurity in Nigeria is a national emergency that demands urgent, and decisive action from the Federal Government (FG). Across the country, there has been an alarming spike in killings, kidnappings, and general lawlessness. 

From Zamfara and Katsina in the North-West to Plateau and Benue in the North-Central, and down to Borno in the North-East, the story is the same—unrelenting attacks on innocent citizens, with blood and tears becoming almost a daily occurrence.

This frightening development is not only a threat to the lives and livelihoods of millions of Nigerians, but it also undermines the stability of the nation and the legitimacy of the government. The people are scared; trust in the security system is waning, and the promise of safety as a fundamental right is being shattered daily. 

It is tragic and unacceptable that criminal elements have once again found room to operate with impunity. Communities and villages are being attacked, nd highways have turned into death traps. Bandits, insurgents, and kidnappers are emboldened, partly because of delayed responses from security agencies and partly due to systemic issues such as poor intelligence coordination, inadequate manpower, and corruption within the security architecture.

The Federal Government must demonstrate strong political will and leadership to arrest this situation. First, there must be a reassessment of the country’s current security strategy. A piecemeal approach can no longer suffice; what is required is a robust, holistic, and well-resourced security framework that incorporates all relevant stakeholders, including state governments, traditional rulers, community vigilantes, and the private sector.

Furthermore, Nigeria needs to invest heavily in intelligence gathering and surveillance technology. In the age of drones, satellite imaging, and data analytics, it is unacceptable that criminals continue to outsmart the nation’s security forces. The military and police must be empowered not just with weapons, but also with training and technology that enable them to prevent attacks, not just respond after the damage is done.

Equally important is the need to address the root causes of insecurity—poverty, unemployment, poor education, and the lack of social safety nets. Many young people, disillusioned and desperate, are being lured into criminality. Without genuine efforts to tackle these socio-economic issues, Nigeria will continue to produce new recruits for insurgents and criminal gangs.

In addition, the Federal Government must hold security chiefs accountable. Performance should be the yardstick for retention. When lives are lost daily under the watch of any security leader, there must be consequences. Accountability is key to ensuring that everyone does their job with dedication and urgency.

Finally, the government must engage Nigerians more actively. Citizens should not be left in the dark or feel abandoned. Regular communication, community engagement, and transparency will help rebuild trust and encourage public support for security efforts.

Nigeria is bleeding, and the Federal Government must rise to the occasion. The protection of life and property is the most sacred duty of any government. If we fail in this, then we have failed as a nation. This is not the time for politics or platitude it is time for action. The lives of Nigerians must matter again.

Source: Gubio,a public affairs analyst from damaturu