In the wake of President Bola Tinubu’s third month in office, concerns over rapidly escalating insecurity have taken center stage. Recent reports revealing the occupation of at least 23 local government areas in three North-West states by bandits highlight the gravity of the situation. This alarming development is reminiscent of past instances where terrorists held sway over 27 LGAs in the North-East. According to The PUNCH, farmers and residents across Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi states have been forced to abandon their homes and fields due to the rise in bandit-related criminal activities.
The growing public sentiment reflects a perception that President Tinubu’s focus on politics has overshadowed critical national priorities, particularly security. This resurgent insecurity echoes historical patterns; in the early months leading up to the 2015 general elections, 27 LGAs in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states fell under the control of Boko Haram insurgents. The insurgents established their dominance, imposing their version of Sharia law, collecting tributes, and delivering social services.
In the current situation, bandits and terrorists are regaining strength across several states, with the North-West being particularly hard-hit. The worst affected LGAs in Sokoto, including Isa, Sabon Birni, Gwadabawa, Illela, Tangaza, and Goronyo, have witnessed a substantial impact on farming – a sector that employs the majority of Nigeria’s labor force and contributes significantly to GDP. This surge in criminal activities has triggered a mass exodus of residents, leaving villages deserted. Bandits are imposing tributes on farmers, levying taxes, carrying out kidnappings for ransom, and inflicting random violence.
The resurgence of these criminal elements raises concerns about Nigeria’s trajectory towards a failed state, marked by the loss of territorial sovereignty and an inability to fulfill the basic functions of governance. Experts warn that internal violence and the inability to provide essential political services are indicators of a nation on the brink of failure.
Kebbi state, in particular, has witnessed the slaughter of over 2,500 individuals between 2019 and 2023 by bandits, according to Zuru Development Foundation officials. Meanwhile, within the first six weeks of President Tinubu’s term, criminal activities resulted in the deaths of 555 Nigerians, as reported by Global Rights Nigeria, an NGO.
Negotiations with bandits by the Zamfara state government have yielded no positive results, leaving all 14 LGAs in the state vulnerable to brutal attacks. Maru, Anka, Shinkafi, Maradun, Zurmi, Gusau, and Bungudu are among the worst-affected areas.
The resurgence of bandits and terrorists presents a stark reversal of the progress made in previous years. States such as Kaduna, Niger, Plateau, Katsina, Bauchi, Nasarawa, and Benue are grappling with the havoc wrought by these criminal groups. In 2022, former Kaduna Governor Nasir el-Rufai revealed that bandits and Ansaru terrorists were consolidating control over various communities, effectively running a parallel government.
The state of insecurity is taking a severe toll, with the Nigerian state losing its monopoly on coercive force to criminal entities. Beyond the loss of lives and property, the nation’s food security and economic stability are also at risk. Against this backdrop, experts emphasize the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to address the security challenges.
To navigate this crisis, President Tinubu is urged to collaborate closely with the National Assembly, state assemblies, and governors. Key recommendations include promoting the establishment of state police, overseeing security agencies’ modernization efforts, revamping intelligence services, and leveraging technology for effective deployment.
As the security situation intensifies, Nigeria’s citizens and international observers alike are watching closely to see if President Tinubu will take decisive action to ensure the safety and stability of the nation.
