A recent report has revealed that at least 13,346 people have been killed and 9,207 abducted across the country since Bola Tinubu took office on May 29, 2023.
The surge in violent crimes, affecting 667 of the nation’s 774 local government areas, has been attributed to terrorism, banditry, farmer-herder clashes, and other social unrest.
According to the report by Beacon Consulting, a security risk management firm, 5,802 people were killed and 2,754 kidnapped between May and December 2023.
The situation worsened in 2024, with 7,544 deaths and 6,453 abductions recorded from January to September.
Experts have expressed growing concern over the ongoing security crisis, urging Tinubu to implement more decisive actions to address the challenges.
“The security crisis is severe,” security analyst Nnamdi Chive told PUNCH, adding that, “Economic hardship has exacerbated the problem, adding to an already critical situation.”
At a security and peace summit organized by the North-West Governors Forum in Katsina State in July, President Bola Tinubu referred to the ongoing insecurity in the North-West as “inherited security compromises.”
He attributed the current issues of banditry and insurgency to long-standing grievances in conflict-affected communities.
While acknowledging these factors, experts argue that a more robust strategy is necessary. Chive emphasized the critical role of securing Nigeria’s borders, stating, “National security involves effectively protecting your borders.”
He highlighted the need for better control of the North-East and North-West borders to prevent foreign elements from destabilizing local communities.
Reflecting on President Tinubu’s approach since taking office, Chive noted some positive outcomes, such as the resettlement of displaced persons in Borno State. However, he warned that insurgents are shifting their operations to new regions.
Security expert Colonel Yomi Dare also underscored the impact of economic hardship and corruption on the worsening security crisis.
“Economic difficulties have worsened the situation, compounding an already dire predicament,” he said.
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