Nigeria in Peril: The Collapse of Security Under President Tinubu

 

Despite his campaign promises, Tinubu's lack of a coherent security plan has left Nigerians vulnerable to unchecked brutality from non-state actors. His administration has presided over an alarming increase in violence and insecurity, with nearly 2,600 killings recorded in just the first quarter of his tenure.

Nearly a year into President Bola Tinubu's tenure, Nigeria's security situation has worsened alarmingly. Despite his promises and an extensive manifesto, Tinubu appears to lack a credible or pragmatic security plan. The resurgence of violence, abductions, and massacres mirrors the tragic eight-year legacy of his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari. The security architecture under Tinubu is not just ineffective; it is nearly non-existent, leaving Nigerians vulnerable to non-state actors' unchecked brutality.

The states of Zamfara, Katsina, Niger, Kaduna, Benue, Kogi, and even the Federal Capital Territory are the most affected. Recently, Katsina witnessed the abduction of 80 villagers in Yar-Malamai, Faskari Local Government Area. Bandits operated unchallenged for ten hours, looting shops, burning houses, and vehicles in broad daylight. This attack left only six houses intact and underscored the complete breakdown of security in the region. Just a day earlier, four soldiers were killed in their camp in Faskari LGA.

The weakness of security forces is glaring. They are so outnumbered and under-resourced that they, alongside civilians, become easy targets for bandits. According to Beacon Security and Intelligence, 2,583 killings were recorded in the first quarter of Tinubu's presidency. Additionally, SBM Intelligence reported 4,777 abductions from the start of Tinubu's tenure to May 2024, including the abduction of 24 undergraduates from Confluence University of Science and Technology in Kogi State. This epidemic of violence is a testament to the absence of a coherent security strategy.

Zamfara State exemplifies the dire situation, with bandits sacking 50 villages and kidnapping 500 people in a single week. Women and children are particularly vulnerable, and the bandits' confidence is bolstered by the state's inability to respond effectively. In March, approximately 20 people were killed, and 100 others kidnapped in Birnin-Magaji LGA. Such incidents highlight the pervasive insecurity across the region.

In Niger State's Munya LGA, three villagers were killed, and others abducted in recent attacks. The violence is not confined to the North-West; it is pervasive across Benue, Cross River, Kaduna, Plateau, Taraba, and the North-East. Even the South is not immune to this escalating violence.

While Nigeria burns, President Tinubu is often conspicuously absent, recently returning from an overseas trip with no apparent urgency to address the domestic crisis. His lack of presence in affected communities to gather firsthand information and develop targeted strategies against these threats is a significant failure. Despite his campaign promises, encapsulated in his 80-page manifesto with a 10-point agenda, "national security" remains a hollow slogan.

Nigeria remains the only federal state without decentralized policing, a critical gap that Tinubu promised to address. To stem the rising tide of violence, Tinubu should leverage his office to push for state police by collaborating with the National Assembly to invoke the 'doctrine of necessity.' Decentralized policing could effectively curb crime, especially in rural areas currently neglected by national security forces.

Immediate measures should include the withdrawal of police officers illegally attached to VIPs and their redeployment to active duty. Establishing a clear and comprehensive security plan against insurgents is imperative. This plan should involve setting up a command center equipped with advanced technology for detecting, monitoring, and launching counterattacks.

Moreover, the proliferation of arms fuels much of the violence. Security agencies must design and implement a sustainable program to disarm non-state actors. State governors, particularly in the North-West, should consider banning motorcycles, a common mode of transportation for bandits. Until state police are established, states should individually and collectively form security outfits to bolster local defenses.

The bottom line is clear: President Bola Tinubu's tenure has been characterized by a glaring lack of decisive action in the face of escalating security threats. Despite his initial promises and the high expectations placed upon his administration, there has been a marked failure to implement effective security measures. This ineffectiveness has resulted in a tragic surge in violence, abductions, and the loss of countless lives across Nigeria. Communities are left vulnerable to the whims of bandits and non-state actors, while the government's response remains inadequate and disjointed. The situation has deteriorated to a point where the safety and well-being of Nigerians are in serious jeopardy, with little hope of immediate relief under the current security framework.

For President Tinubu to fulfill his campaign promises and restore public confidence, he must urgently prioritize comprehensive security reforms. Key measures include the decentralization of policing to allow for more localized and responsive law enforcement, the redeployment of police resources from non-essential assignments to critical field operations, and the establishment of a technologically advanced command center to coordinate and enhance security efforts. These interventions are not just recommended but essential for preventing further descent into chaos. Without such urgent and decisive actions, Nigeria's security situation will continue to deteriorate, placing its citizens at an ever-greater risk of violence and instability. The need for change is immediate, and the consequences of inaction are dire.