society
Nigeria Under Siege: Insecurity, State Failure and the Dangerous Normalisation of Violence
Nigeria Under Siege: Insecurity, State Failure and the Dangerous Normalisation of Violence.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
“When Kidnapping, Bloodshed and Government Indifference Become the New Normal.”
Nigeria today stands at a dangerous crossroads, and one where insecurity has become routine, violence has been normalised and governance appears increasingly detached from the lived realities of its citizens. While the nation is not officially at war, the scale of killings, abductions and economic devastation inflicted by criminal networks rivals that of countries in active conflict. What makes Nigeria’s situation particularly tragic is not only the persistence of violence, but the disturbing sense of resignation with which it is treated by both the state and, increasingly, the public.
According to SBM Intelligence, a leading Nigerian security and risk analysis firm, at least 1,056 Nigerians were killed between July 2023 and June 2024 in kidnapping-related incidents alone. Within the same period, 7,568 people were abducted and kidnappers demanded over ₦10.9 billion in ransom, a significant portion of which was paid by desperate families and communities. In a separate but related report covering July 2024 to June 2025, SBM Intelligence recorded 4,722 abductions, 762 deaths, and ₦2.57 billion actually paid as ransom.
These are not SPECULATIVE FIGURES. They are verified, conservative estimates, the numbers that already paint a horrifying picture of a country under siege by criminal enterprises that operate with alarming confidence and impunity.
A State Losing Its Monopoly on Violence.
The German sociologist Max Weber famously defined the state as an entity that successfully claims the monopoly of the legitimate use of physical force within a given territory. By this classical definition, Nigeria is in profound trouble.
Across vast swathes of the country (particularly in the North-West, North-Central, and parts of the South-East) armed groups now determine who lives, who dies and who moves freely. Highways have become hunting grounds for kidnappers. Rural communities are routinely attacked, their inhabitants displaced or murdered. Schools are shut down, farmlands abandoned and entire local economies destroyed.
Security analyst Dr. Bulama Bukarti has repeatedly warned that Nigeria is facing a crisis of state authority, noting that “when non-state actors can repeatedly challenge the state without consequences, the legitimacy of government itself begins to erode.” This erosion is no longer theoretical; it is visible in daily Nigerian life.
The Ransom Economy: Crime as an Industry.
Perhaps one of the most damning indicators of Nigeria’s security collapse is the emergence of a ransom economy and a parallel criminal industry that thrives because the state cannot protect its citizens.
SBM Intelligence describes kidnapping in Nigeria as “an organised business model”, complete with negotiators, surveillance networks, informants and logistics chains. The billions of naira paid in ransom annually are not abstract numbers; they represent drained life savings, sold properties, ruined futures and families permanently traumatised.
Economist Dr. Muda Yusuf, former Director-General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, argues that “the cost of insecurity in Nigeria goes beyond ransom payments; it includes lost investments, food inflation, unemployment and declining national productivity.” In effect, insecurity has become a tax on citizenship, one paid disproportionately by the poor and vulnerable.
The Moral Hazard of Amnesty and Appeasement.
Even more troubling than the violence itself is the state’s increasingly ambiguous response to it. In several instances, government officials and traditional authorities have publicly entertained negotiations with armed groups, offering amnesty, rehabilitation, or reintegration in exchange for “repentance.”
While dialogue is not inherently wrong, the moral hazard created by rewarding violent criminality is profound. When killers are pardoned without justice, accountability collapses. When armed men attend negotiations visibly armed while security agencies appear constrained or deferential, the message is unmistakable: the state is no longer feared.
Political scientist Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim has warned that “impunity is the oxygen of insurgency and banditry; once criminals realise there are no consequences, violence becomes self-sustaining.” Nigeria’s experience increasingly validates this grim assessment.
Leadership Optics and Public Anger.
Leadership is not only about policy; it is also about symbolism, timing, and empathy. In the midst of escalating killings and mass abductions, images of political leaders engaging in lavish spending, extensive foreign travel and political maneuvering for future elections have deepened public resentment.
The issue is not travel per se, but perceived indifference. When citizens are burying loved ones and liquidating assets to pay ransom, extravagant governance sends a chilling signal about priorities.
Renowned historian Prof. Toyin Falola has observed that “states collapse not only from external shocks but from the gradual alienation of leaders from the suffering of the people.” Nigeria today appears perilously close to that line.
A Society at Risk of Normalising Horror.
Perhaps the most frightening dimension of Nigeria’s crisis is societal desensitisation. Each new mass abduction, each village attack, each killing cycle generates outrage; for a moment. Then attention shifts. Life continues. Horror becomes routine.
This dangerous psychological adaptation is what philosopher Hannah Arendt described as the “banality of evil” to the point at which abnormal cruelty becomes ordinary through repetition and silence. When citizens begin to accept mass violence as inevitable, the final collapse is no longer sudden; it is gradual and quiet.
The Way Forward: Accountability, Not Excuses.
Nigeria does not lack solutions; it lacks political will. Experts broadly agree on key steps:
– Comprehensive security sector reform.
– Intelligence-driven policing.
– Swift and transparent prosecution of offenders
– Ending ransom payments through coordinated enforcement.
– Addressing poverty and unemployment that fuel criminal recruitment.
As Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka once warned, “The man dies in all who keep silent in the face of tyranny.” Silence (whether from fear, fatigue, or false optimism) is no longer a neutral act in Nigeria.
Final Reflection.
Nigeria is not yet a failed state; but it is a state in severe distress. The continued tolerance of mass insecurity, criminal profiteering, and leadership detachment risks pushing the nation beyond recovery. A society that shrugs at hundreds of deaths and thousands of abductions is not resilient; it is endangered.
History will not ask how many excuses were made. It will ask who acted and who chose comfort over courage.
Security Expert Backs IGP Disu’s Record, Affirms Legitimacy Of Tenure
Recent operational achievements by the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, particularly in Kwara State, have once again drawn attention to his tactical leadership and commitment to confronting criminal elements across the country.
According to a renowned security expert and CEO Of the Western Eagle Security Ltd, Mr Mogaji Busayo, during a recent security engagement in Kwara State, the IGP demonstrated decisive leadership through a series of strategic actions aimed at strengthening security architecture and restoring public confidence. Among the notable steps taken were leading security clearance operations targeting bandit hideouts and criminal enclaves, Conducting operational inspections and strategy reviews at the Kwara State Police Command, declaring a firm commitment to reclaim communities from bandits and kidnappers threatening residents amongst others.
Mogaji described IGP Disu as a tested and trusted tactical officer whose professional record and field experience position him as a capable leader in the ongoing fight against crime and insecurity in Nigeria.
According to him, the impressive operational strides recorded under the current police leadership have further reinforced the need for stability and continuity in the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.
He therefore addressed the ongoing public discourse regarding the tenure of the Inspector-General of Police, explaining that the July 2024 amendment to the Police Act 2020 by the National Assembly clearly provides that an Inspector-General of Police is entitled to serve the full tenure stated in the appointment letter, even if the statutory retirement age of 60 is attained within that period.
Mogaji noted that historically, several past Inspectors-General of Police were unable to complete a full four-year tenure, largely due to retirement age limitations and the absence of clear statutory provisions guaranteeing the term of office. He further noted that the immediate past Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, was also legally appointed to serve a four-year tenure under the same statutory framework but chose to retire earlier than expected due to family reasons, a decision which did not in any way affect the legality of the tenure provision itself.
He further highlighted that the formal swearing-in of the current Inspector-General of Police by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marks a historic turning point in the administration of policing in Nigeria, noting that no previous Inspector-General of Police had been formally sworn into office prior to assumption of duty.
According to him, the oath of office administered by the President is the first ever and not only symbolises institutional reform but also reinforces the legal and constitutional validity of the four-year tenure now attached to the office of the Inspector-General of Police.
The security expert also referenced past legal controversies surrounding the tenure of former Inspectors-General, including litigation initiated by legal practitioner Maxwell Opara, which challenged the continued stay in office of former IGP Mohammed Adamu after retirement from service.
Similarly, in a judicial pronouncement delivered in Suit No. FHC/AKW/CS/58/2023, filed by Okechukwu Nwafor, the court held that only an officer within the prescribed rank and with not less than four years remaining in service could validly be appointed Inspector-General of Police, a matter that previously generated debate during the tenure of former IGP Usman Alkali Baba.
Mogaji stated that the recent legislative clarification, combined with the formal swearing-in of the present IGP, has effectively resolved those ambiguities, ensuring that the tenure of IGP Tunji Disu is firmly anchored in law and due process.
He urged the public to focus on the ongoing reforms and operational gains within the Nigeria Police Force, emphasizing that sustained leadership stability will further enhance the capacity of the Force to tackle crime and strengthen national security.
Under Siege: Nigeria’s Spiraling Insecurity in the Tinubu Era
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
“As Violence and Kidnappings Surge, Nigerians Face a Humanitarian and Security Crisis Amid Perceived Government Inaction”
Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023, the promise of a “Renewed Hope” has been starkly overshadowed by a relentless wave of violence and insecurity across Nigeria. Despite early pledges to prioritise national safety, the reality for millions has been a harrowing descent into a pervasive climate of fear. From the rugged terrains of the Northwest to the insurgent‑heavy Northeast, criminal cartels, bandits and extremist groups continue to challenge the state’s ability to protect its citizens.
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Independent monitoring groups and international bodies such as Amnesty International estimate that over 10,000 Nigerians have lost their lives in violent attacks since Tinubu took office. Alongside this grim death toll is the dramatic escalation of abductions and the “kidnap‑for‑ransom” economy, which reportedly drained more than $1.4 billion (about ₦2.23 trillion) from families in the administration’s first year alone. This financial drain has compounded psychological trauma and deepened economic hardship.
“Nigeria’s security crisis is not merely a law enforcement problem,” says Prof. Abuja‑based security analyst Dr. Chukwuemeka Eze, “it is a symptom of systemic governance failure; where the state cannot guarantee the safety of its citizens.”
In the Northwest and Northcentral regions (including states such as Zamfara, Kaduna and Plateau) armed gangs have razed villages and forced farmers to pay “harvest levies” just to access their own lands. This has devastated local food systems and contributed to rising inflation.
Meanwhile, in the Northeast, fractious insurgent groups such as Islamic State West Africa Province and factions of Boko Haram continue to mount attacks against military and civilian targets. While the military claims to have “degraded” these groups, they remain capable of coordinated assaults, keeping large areas of the region under persistent threat.
Adding a new layer of complexity is the emergence of the “Lakurawa” group in the Sokoto‑Kebbi axis, signalling that old threats persist even as new ones take root.
Critics argue that the Tinubu administration’s focus on economic reforms (such as fuel subsidy removal and currency realignment) has come at the expense of human security. Former defence policy adviser Prof. Ayo Ajayi of Ahmadu Bello University notes, “Security is the foundation of economic growth. Without it, reforms risk becoming hollow promises for millions who live daily under threat.”
Late in 2025, President Tinubu declared a national security emergency and authorised the recruitment of additional security personnel. However, many Nigerians perceive these measures as reactive rather than proactive. The government’s increased reliance on non‑kinetic strategies (such as negotiations and amnesties for some criminal elements) has been met with scepticism.
Observers argue this approach has inadvertently emboldened criminal networks, turning kidnapping into a low‑risk, high‑reward enterprise. Although the state has acquired new military hardware and reshuffled service chiefs, these changes have yet to translate into a sense of safety for ordinary citizens.
The situation is not merely a security challenge but a humanitarian crisis. Civilians are being displaced, families are paying enormous ransoms under duress, and school abductions have uprooted thousands of students from classrooms.
Political scientist Dr. Yemi Ogunleye of the University of Lagos warns, “When the monopoly of coercive force shifts from the state to non‑state actors, the very fabric of democracy is threatened. Citizens must feel safe within their borders; otherwise governance itself becomes irrelevant.”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) insists it has the experience and strategy necessary to confront Nigeria’s security challenges, arguing that decisive leadership and strengthened community defence initiatives are critical. Many Nigerians now look back on previous administrations with the hope that a change in leadership might bring a corresponding shift in national safety and stability.
Until the state can effectively reclaim its monopoly on the use of force and protect lives and properties, the “Renewed Hope” agenda will continue to ring hollow for millions living in the shadow of insecurity.
Published on Tuesday, March 17, 2026
society
MAIDUGURI EXPLOSION: SECURITY FORCES WORKING TIRELESSLY TO END INSECURITY – GEN. CG MUSA SUPPORT INITIATIVE URGES CALM
*MAIDUGURI EXPLOSION: SECURITY FORCES WORKING TIRELESSLY TO END INSECURITY – GEN. CG MUSA SUPPORT INITIATIVE URGES CALM, CONDOLES WITH BORNO OVER BOMB BLAST*
The Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa Support Initiative has extended its profound condolences to the government and resilient people of Borno State following a tragic bomb blast in Maiduguri town on Monday evening.
The attack, was condemned in the strongest terms in a statement signed by the Initiative’s Convener, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani, Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, and made available to the press.
In the statement, the Initiative conveyed a powerful message of reassurance from its Grand Patron, His Excellency Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR, the Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It emphatically noted that “both the sponsors and the terrorists’ end will be soon,” asserting that the insecurity plaguing the nation will become “a thing of the past.”
The statement urged citizens nationwide, particularly those in affected areas, to remain calm and steadfast, affirming that the nation’s security architecture is more determined than ever. It highlighted that Gen. Musa, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, is working day and night, coordinating all security agencies to restore lasting peace and security across Nigeria.
“This tragic incident only strengthens our resolve,” the statement read. “The Minister of Defence and our gallant troops are engaged in relentless, tireless efforts to dismantle the networks of terror and bring a definitive end to this scourge. The light of peace is breaking through, and the end of this darkness is in sight.”
The Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa Support Initiative expressed unwavering confidence in the strategic leadership of the Minister of Defence and the overarching vision of the Renewed Hope Project, which prioritizes the safety and security of every Nigerian as its cornerstone.
The public is assured that the Federal Government, under President Tinubu and through the diligent execution of the Minister of Defence, is deploying every necessary resource and strategy to secure the nation. Citizens are encouraged to continue supporting security agencies with vital information and to maintain hope, as a new dawn of sustained peace and stability is being forged.
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