Call to Action on Nigeria’s Growing Insecurity – Otunba Babatunde Olushola Senbanjo

By Otunba Babatunde Olushola Senbanjo (BOS)

Nigeria is once again confronted with a heartbreaking reality the reality of bloodshed, loss, and painful uncertainty. The recent killings in Kwara State, the abductions in Kebbi State, and the spreading violence across many other parts of our nation are not just isolated incidents; they are symptoms of a deeper national wound that has been left untreated for far too long.

These tragedies are not mere “security breaches.” They are human lives cut short, families shattered, dreams destroyed, and communities thrown into mourning. They remind us, most painfully, that Nigeria is bleeding, and has been bleeding for years.

Where Did We Go Wrong?

The truth is, Nigeria’s insecurity crisis did not develop overnight. It is the outcome of decades of weak institutions, neglected socio-economic realities, porous borders, and leadership failures. We went wrong in several ways:

1. Failure to Prioritise Security as a Non-Negotiable Duty of Government – Security became politicised. Appointments were made based on loyalty rather than competence. Intelligence gathering and early-warning systems were ignored. Crime syndicates and terror groups grew while leaders debated semantics.

2. Underfunded, Undermanned, and Underrated Security Agencies – Our police and military personnel are among the most courageous in Africa, but they have been left with outdated equipment, inadequate welfare, and insufficient numbers. We expect miracles from men who are barely supported.

3. Youth Unemployment and Socio-Economic Breakdown – A nation where millions of young people are jobless, hopeless, and frustrated is fertile ground for crime, recruitment into banditry, extremism, and kidnapping networks.

4. Broken Justice System – Criminals are arrested today and released the next day. Victims rarely get justice. Communities see the law failing them and gradually lose trust in the state.

5. Silence, Complacency, and Lack of Political Will – The loudest weapon insecurity has enjoyed is the silence or half-hearted response of those who should act decisively.

What Is the Nigerian Government Doing and What Must Change?

Successive governments have announced operations, committees, task forces, and special units. Some efforts have yielded pockets of results, but they are far from enough.

The Nigerian government often talks about:

Deploying security forces

Setting up joint task operations

Strengthening intelligence systems

Engaging local vigilantes

Passing new security policies

But the results on the ground remain painfully insufficient. Nigerians are still living in fear. Communities are unprotected. Villages are being raided. Kidnappers operate with boldness. And many citizens feel abandoned.

Enough Is Enough

How many more must die before Nigeria wakes up?
How many more children must be kidnapped before action becomes urgent?
How many more women must be widowed?
How many more communities must bury their loved ones?

Nigeria is at a breaking point.
The people are tired. The land is weary. The nation is bleeding.

What Nigeria Must Do Now

For Nigeria to survive this, we need a new security architecture built on five pillars:

1. Absolute political will not rhetoric, not press statements, but decisive leadership.

2. Modernised, well-equipped, and well-paid security forces, technology, intelligence, and rapid response systems must be prioritised.

3. Community-based policing and local security intelligence locals are the first line of defence.

4. Economic empowerment and employment opportunities idle hands will always be vulnerable to criminal networks.

5. Reform of the justice system crime must have consequences, swiftly and fairly.

Nigeria Cannot Continue Like This

No nation can prosper when its people live in fear. No economy can grow when investors see insecurity. No community can thrive when its youth are turning to crime.

This is a moment for Nigerian leaders, followers, communities, and institutions to demand accountability and insist on urgent reforms. It is a moment for unity, reflection, and bold action.

A Final Word

Nigeria belongs to all of us. The bloodshed must stop. The sorrow must end.

We cannot continue to mourn every week.
We cannot continue to accept evil as normal.
We cannot continue to watch Nigeria bleed in silence.

The time for decisive action is now. Enough is enough.