The absence of security and prevalence of insecurity throughout the country has been the dominant news in Nigeria, especially in the last two weeks. Reports from several parts of the country show that Nigeria’s security concerns have reached a crescendo.
On Monday, April 26, news reports emerged of the Boko Haram terrorist sect taking over several communities in Niger State, with the State government confirming the displacement of over 3,000 residents of the affected communities. The Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello announced to a bewildered country how several communities in Kaure and Shiroro Local Government Areas in his State have been overrun by terrorists who have set up shops and raised their flags in victory over and conquest of the area. The Governor even raised alarm that Abuja, Nigeria’s Capital city may be under threat.
The entire country appears to be seized by the industry of banditry and kidnapping in a manner never before seen. The country is still reeling from the kidnap of students of Greenfield University, where bandits have already killed five of the 22 abducted students, with a threat to kill the remaining 17 if a ransom of N100million is not paid. On a consoling note, 29 students of the College of Forestry Mechanisation, Afaka, who were abducted about two months ago were released on Wednesday, May 5, 2021. It is unclear if and how much ransom was paid for their release.
From several States across the country are reports of security installations, particularly police stations being burnt and policemen going about their legal duties being attacked and/or killed. In some States, policemen have kept away from duty and refused to wear uniforms for fear of being targeted. Indeed, the breakdown of law and order is deeply worrying. President Buhari has in response to these deep concerns, summoned meetings with security chiefs, apparently in search of solutions. It is unclear how, if at all, a solution can be found. Of course, citizens have publicly expressed their worry about the levels of insecurity in the country and criticisms have mounted about government’s incompetence in handling the matter. Prompting the Department of State Services (DSS) and Presidential Spokesperson, Femi Adesina to issue statements, warning that these criticisms are damaging to the administration. Femi Adesina in his statement, accused traditional rulers, religious leaders and past political leaders of plotting to remove President Muhammadu Buhari from office. In its own statement, the DSS through its spokesperson issued a warning to critics to avoid instigating rebellion against the government by their criticisms. The Nigerian Army has also issued a statement pledging military subordination to civilian authority.