Despite President Bola Tinubu’s promises of enhanced security and a united Nigeria, the country has witnessed a surge in killings by non-state actors during the early weeks of his administration. In the span of 45 days between May 29 and July 13, 2023, over 600 individuals have lost their lives due to the activities of bandits, Boko Haram insurgents, ethnic militias, and armed robbers, among others.
Data analysis from SBM Intelligence, an analysis platform, indicates that approximately 629 Nigerians fell victim to non-state actor violence during this period. Additionally, the Council on Foreign Relations’ Nigeria Security Tracker and various media reports indicate that 587 people were killed by non-state actors within the same timeframe.
President Tinubu had pledged to prioritize security and combat insecurity in his victory speech after securing the APC presidential ticket. He vowed to unite the nation, revamp the economy, and eliminate criminals, including terrorists.
Addressing his supporters during his inaugural speech on May 29, President Tinubu reiterated his commitment to tackling insecurity head-on, emphasizing that security is essential for the nation’s prosperity and justice. However, the rising death toll at the hands of non-state actors has sparked concerns about the effectiveness of these promises.
Analyzing the data further, the killings by non-state actors were distributed across different regions as follows:
– North Central: 261 deaths
– North East: 162 deaths
– North West: 134 deaths
– South East: 23 deaths
The escalating violence underscores the urgent need for effective security measures and interventions to restore peace and stability across Nigeria. Despite the challenges, the administration’s response to these security concerns will be closely observed by the public and stakeholders alike.
