Over 13,346 people have been killed and 9,207 abducted nationwide since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023.
The by Beacon Consulting, a firm specialising in security risk management, stated that the increase in violent crimes affected 667 out of 774 Local Government Areas in the country and are linked to terrorism, banditry, farmer-herder conflicts, and other social disturbances.
The report noted that between May and December 2023, 5,802 were killed while 2,754 were kidnapped and that the situation deteriorated further in 2024 with 7,544 deaths and 6,453 abductions reported from January to September.
Meanwhile, experts are increasingly concerned about the persistent security challenges and are calling for more decisive measures from President Tinubu.
A security analyst, Nnamdi Chive, said: “The security crisis is severe. “Economic hardship has exacerbated the problem, adding to an already critical situation.”
During a security and peace summit hosted by the North-West Governors Forum in Katsina State in July, President Tinubu characterized the ongoing insecurity, particularly in the North-West, as “inherited security compromises.”
He said that current banditry and insurgency issues were partly due to historical grievances of conflict-affected communities.
Despite these insights, experts argue that a more effective strategy is needed. Chive stressed the importance of securing Nigeria’s borders, stating, “National security involves effectively protecting your borders.
“The North-East and North-West borders need better control to prevent foreign elements from destabilizing local communities.”
Reviewing President Tinubu’s government approach since taking office, Chive noted some successes, such as the return of displaced persons to Borno State.
However, he pointed out that insurgents are adapting by moving their operations to new areas.
Security expert Colonel Yomi Dare also highlighted the impact of economic hardship and corruption on the security crisis.
“Economic difficulties have worsened the situation, compounding an already dire predicament,” he said.
@The PUNCH
