Hauwa Ali
Imagine waking up to the sound of gunshots in the middle of the night. Your heart pounds as you rush to hide, whispering prayers for safety. For many Nigerians, this is not a distant nightmare—it is their reality. From the bustling streets of Lagos to the rural villages in Zamfara, insecurity has become a daily threat, casting a shadow over businesses, schools, and even the simple act of traveling.
Nigeria’s struggle with insecurity is not new, but in recent years, it has escalated to alarming levels. Kidnappings for ransom, violent extremism, farmer-herder conflicts, and banditry have left communities in fear and families in mourning. The real question is: why does this problem persist despite all the efforts to curb it? And more importantly, what can we do—practically and sustainably—to restore peace?
To truly address insecurity, we must look beyond the surface and confront the deeper issues fueling violence. Insecurity is not just about guns and criminals; it is about people—people who, for one reason or another, feel they have no choice but to pick up arms.
1. Unemployment: The Trap That Pushes Young People into Crime
Meet Musa, a 24-year-old graduate from Kano. He spent years studying, hoping for a bright future, but after graduation, reality hit hard—no jobs, no opportunities, just frustration. Like many young Nigerians, Musa has tried everything, but each rejection letter pushes him closer to despair. Meanwhile, criminal gangs offer quick money, and extremist groups promise a sense of belonging. With nothing to lose, the temptation becomes too strong to resist.
Unemployment is not just an economic issue—it is a security threat. When millions of young people are left idle, the risk of radicalization and criminal activities skyrockets. Nigeria needs to take job creation seriously, not just as an economic policy but as a frontline strategy for national security.
Should the government offer amnesty and reintegration programs for those who abandon crime, even if it means forgiving past offenses?
Can businesses and private investors be incentivized to create more jobs, or should the government take direct responsibility?
There are no easy answers, but one thing is clear: without economic opportunities, no amount of policing will solve the crisis.
2. Porous Borders: How Illegal Arms and Criminals Flood Nigeria
Picture a group of bandits in the forests of Zamfara, armed with AK-47s. Have you ever wondered how they get these weapons? The truth is, that Nigeria’s vast, poorly secured borders make it easy for smugglers to bring in illegal arms. Weapons flow in from conflict zones in Libya, Chad, and Mali, arming criminals and insurgents who use them to terrorize innocent people.
Strengthening border security with better funding, training, and surveillance technology.
Partnering with neighboring countries to share intelligence and jointly tackle arms trafficking.
Addressing corruption, because as long as border officials take bribes, weapons will keep slipping through.
But here’s the dilemma: strict border controls might slow trade and hurt businesses that depend on cross-border movement. Can Nigeria find a way to secure its borders without disrupting economic activities?
3. Weak Governance: Why People No Longer Trust the System
Insecurity thrives where people have lost faith in the government. Ask the average Nigerian on the street if they trust the police, and the answer is likely a frustrated “No.” Corruption, inefficiency, and political interference have weakened security agencies, making them ineffective and, in some cases, complicit in crime.
Imagine reporting a robbery only to be told by the police that there’s no fuel in their patrol vehicles. Or worse, imagine hearing that the same officers meant to protect you are working with the criminals. When people lose trust in the system, they turn to self-help—vigilante groups, ethnic militias, and even criminal gangs offering “protection” for a price.
The government must reform the police force, ensuring accountability and proper funding.
Civil society groups should push for transparency and citizen involvement in security decision-making.
Nigerians must demand better leadership because, without good governance, insecurity will only worsen.
Of course, reforming institutions takes time. The challenge is balancing short-term security measures with long-term governance improvements.
4. Climate Change and Farmer-Herder Conflicts
In the Middle Belt, 55-year-old farmer Adamu stands over his destroyed crops, tears in his eyes. “This land has fed my family for generations,” he says, “but now, it is a battlefield.” Climate change has worsened desertification in Northern Nigeria, pushing herders further south in search of grazing land. What used to be a peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders has turned into violent clashes over land and water.
The government should invest in ranching and modern livestock farming to reduce the pressure on land.
Community leaders must foster dialogue between farmers and herders to prevent conflicts.
Climate action must become a priority because the environmental crisis is fueling the security crisis.
However, change is hard. Many herders resist ranching because it goes against their traditional way of life. Farmers, on the other hand, feel abandoned by the government. Can Nigeria find a compromise that respects both sides while preventing bloodshed?
While long-term solutions take shape, there are immediate actions that can help restore security.
1. Community Policing: Let People Defend Their Communities
A one-size-fits-all policing system does not work in a country as diverse as Nigeria. Local security outfits, properly trained and regulated, can complement federal efforts. However, decentralization has its risks—state governors might use local police forces for political oppression. Can we find a balance that ensures accountability?
2. Using Technology for Security
Countries like Rwanda use drones and satellite surveillance to track criminals. Nigeria must invest in similar innovations to monitor threats in real-time. But surveillance raises privacy concerns—how do we ensure technology is used responsibly?
3. Deradicalization: Giving Ex-Insurgents a Second Chance
When former Boko Haram fighters surrender, should we forgive and reintegrate them, or should they face lifelong punishment? Many Nigerians oppose rehabilitation programs, fearing that ex-militants will rejoin crime. But history has shown that without reintegration, violence only continues. The debate is complex—justice must be served, but so must peace.
Nigeria cannot fight insecurity alone. The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which includes Chad, Cameroon, Niger, and Benin, has played a crucial role in fighting Boko Haram. However, it needs better funding and stronger political commitment. Can Nigeria lead the way in revitalizing regional security collaborations?
Another critical issue is arms trafficking. Tightening border security will require cooperation with neighboring countries, but some may resist due to economic concerns. How do we convince our neighbors that a secure Nigeria benefits the whole region?
Taming Nigeria’s insecurity is not just the government’s job—it is everyone’s responsibility. Citizens must hold leaders accountable, businesses must create jobs, and communities must foster peace.
The question remains: Should Nigeria focus on immediate military action, or should it take the longer, more difficult road of fixing governance, unemployment, and social cohesion? Perhaps the answer lies in doing both—taking decisive action now while laying the foundation for a more secure future.
At the heart of it all, insecurity is not just about statistics or policies. It is about real people—families mourning lost loved ones, children afraid to go to school, farmers struggling to survive. The fight for security is, ultimately, a fight for the soul of Nigeria. And that is a fight we cannot afford to lose.
