The complexity of Nigerian security challenges seems beyond human comprehension, defying logic and common sense. If not, how do we explain that some citizens work against the national collective successes just for a pot of porridge? Our challenges are mainly man-made and primarily driven by selfish reasons. A critical reflection on the insecurity in Nigeria shows, on one hand, criminals-the architects of the problems and the direct beneficiaries—parading themselves as warlords fighting their motherland for worldly gains, pleasure, adventure, and unknowingly playing the tools of neo-colonial masters, destroying their country. On the other hand, some Nigerians are working hard and relentlessly to overcome these issues. Others, responsible for addressing the problems, benefit from the largesse of heavy security investment and blood money. They are thus apprehensive of the logical end of the issue—these are the corrupt government officials, including security personnel, civil servants, and politicians. At the same time, the rest of Nigerians, as victims, are watching the events unfold helplessly.
In a normal and less precarious situation, the Nigerian police should have sufficiently addressed the security challenges; however, they cannot, and the military must intervene to restore normalcy and return to their barracks quickly. It has been over a decade and a half since Boko Haram insurgents commenced attacks in the northeast. The group began as a relatively religious, overzealous organization, which evolved into a deadly insurgent group with foreign support concealed in the inaccessible forests of the northeast. Banditry, another serious insecurity challenge, started as cattle rustling affecting livestock farmers and transformed into a combination of terrorist group–banditry, arson, and kidnapping for ransom. The insecurity continues to deteriorate each year, reaching its current crescendo at an unbearable level with little hope for the future unless we, Nigerians, resolve to end it. How did the insecurity start?
Fifteen years ago, Nigeria, like many other countries, had its share of criminals and violent crimes, yet people traveled across the country without fear of kidnapping and insurgency. The situation is different today, as there are several no-go areas, and complete security is guaranteed nowhere. We failed to nip it in the bud and remained indifferent when it did not happen in our communities, allowing it to grow to its current crescendo level.
As written in this column a few weeks ago, the number of people killed by violent crimes is alarming, and the trend continues unabated, with every right-thinking Nigerian feeling increasingly disturbed. According to a study conducted by an NGO, Crissgroup, “Nigeria’s North West is experiencing deadly conflict involving numerous armed organisations, including herder-allied groups, vigilantes, criminal gangs, and Boko Haram. The violence has resulted in the deaths of over 8,000 people since 2011 and has displaced more than 200,000, some into neighbouring countries- Niger, Chad and Cameroon. Despite several security operations and efforts at dialogue, a lasting peace remains elusive.”
To rid the country of insurgents, kidnappers, bandits, secessionists, and other undesirable elements, along with their accomplices who are determined to destroy it, the Nigerian Armed Forces are currently engaged in several operations across the nation. Some soldiers are paying the ultimate price in defending the country against these criminals. Economic collapse, hyperinflation, rising unemployment, and spiritual and moral decay exacerbate the insecurity, making innocent Nigerians apprehensive. Numerous achievements have been recorded; however, many failures, setbacks, and hitches have also occurred, mainly due to various factors within our control. Should we allow our military and other security outfits to be overwhelmed? What will be the implications?
To fully grasp the implications of overwhelming the armed forces, it helps to paraphrase the insights shared recently by Maj Gen U. I. Mohammed (rtd) on social media. Should the armed forces face defeat, it could lead to the collapse of the nation (which I pray will never be the case). In such a scenario, the president, governors, members of the National and State House of Assemblies, and all government officials at the federal, state, and local government levels would risk losing their positions, if not their lives. Furthermore, all governmental institutions would effectively cease to function, giving way to insurgents and chaos. Criminals, arsonists, and murderers shall be kings and emperors, calling the shots. Criminals will take control of towns, cities, government buildings, and infrastructure. Other enterprises will fail due to insecurity, devastation, arson, and killings. Due to the closure of the organisations that provide services, there will be limited or no access to water, energy, health services, and other necessities. All schools, banks, and other financial and social institutions will be closed. The country’s currency may become worthless or cease to be an acceptable legal tender, and all money saved in banks will be lost. These are the consequences of a failed nation, with several examples of these scenarios abound, such as Somalia, Syria, and Iraq.
It is better imagined than experienced. These potential consequences should wake us from our slumber and support our armed forces and other security personnel in crushing insecurity and refocusing the country on a glorious path, but we seem unperturbed. By acting as informants for bandits and insurgents, aiding and abetting gun-running, releasing apprehended criminals, accepting their blood money, and sabotaging the efforts of security personnel and soldiers, we are merely destroying our country and pushing it to the brink of calamitous destruction.
Our politicians, who should lead us in championing the solution, appear less concerned about the situation as they are busy doing political alignment and realignment- changing parties, in preparation for the 2027 election. Decamping and cross carpeting among the PDP, the ruling party, the APC, and the SDP. They are often seen in a joyous mood during ceremonies such as weddings, birthdays, Thanksgiving, and turbanings. Some are even TikToking, claiming to be God-sent saints instead of hiding their faces for poor governance during their tragic and underperforming tenures. They pretend not to notice the persistent insecurity bedevilling the country. They have forgotten that there must be a country before elections for various positions. What can we do to prevent this catastrophe from befalling us?
In search of an answer to the debilitating challenges of insecurity, I met General Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the highest-ranking military personnel in Nigeria. Tracking this high-profile military officer is arduous due to his hectic schedule amid a near-emergency security situation. Still, his unwavering interest, indefatigable commitment, and zeal are evident, which allowed me access to ask all kinds of impromptu questions regarding security matters in Nigeria. With no media aides to support his responses to my questions, he said in a very friendly manner, “Prof., I don’t want to know the questions before we meet, as we don’t have anything to hide.” A very frank statement that built my confidence to ask my questions without any no-go areas or boundaries. I engaged him in a 20-minute, one-on-one, frank interaction and insightful interview; his composure and eloquence set him apart, making him stand out uniquely among the multitude. He acted and sounded like a true nationalist, an attribute that aided him in reaching the top echelon of his military career.
The single question of how to prevent criminals from overwhelming our security personnel was broken down into ten questions, all of which the General answered despite the time constraint. Questions regarding the resurgence of Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks in the North-East region, allegations of human rights violations, complicity of a few rotten eggs in the military and other security forces, and more were addressed. To be continued next week.
