Nigeria’s security crisis is a national emergency

A recent report from Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has painted a grim picture of a nation in crisis. Over the first nine months of 2024, Nigeria recorded a staggering 1,712 cases of kidnapping and 1,463 murders. These are not mere statistics—they represent lives lost, families torn apart, and communities gripped by fear.

The surge in violence is not an isolated incident but part of a disturbing national trend that threatens not only Nigeria’s future but also the stability of the entire West African region.

As Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, Nigeria plays a pivotal role in the region. However, its growing security crisis is undermining its influence and tarnishing its image as a stabilising force. What was once confined to Nigeria’s conflict zones has now spread throughout the nation, from the bustling streets of Lagos to remote villages in the north.

Kidnappings, brutal murders, and violent assaults have become a daily reality for millions of Nigerians, creating a climate of lawlessness and widespread fear.

The implications of Nigeria’s worsening security situation extend far beyond its borders. The country’s destabilisation has eroded its standing as a leader in West Africa, a region that has long relied on Nigeria for regional stability. The escalating violence threatens to spill over into neighbouring countries, endangering the peace and security of the entire region. If Nigeria cannot secure its own borders, how can it be expected to lead in the fight against regional instability?

The roots of Nigeria’s security crisis lie in a complex mix of poverty, economic stagnation, poor governance, and a weakened rule of law. Decades of neglect, mismanagement, and corruption have left a fertile ground for criminal organisations to flourish. With millions of Nigerians living in poverty and youth unemployment at an all-time high, many young people are turning to crime as a means of survival. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies are ill-equipped to combat the powerful criminal gangs and militant groups that now control significant areas of the country.

The lack of adequate training, resources, and support for Nigeria’s police and military forces is one of the key factors fueling the deepening insecurity. These institutions are overwhelmed and underprepared to confront the increasingly sophisticated criminal networks that operate with impunity.

Addressing Nigeria’s security crisis requires more than just increasing personnel or military force. It demands a complete overhaul of the country’s security sector, including improved training, better equipment, and more effective operational strategies. Law enforcement agencies must be adequately funded, equipped with modern tools and technology, and supported in their efforts to tackle criminal networks.

But reform cannot stop there. Corruption within the military and police forces has undermined their effectiveness, with public funds often misused or siphoned off for personal gain. Tackling this pervasive corruption is essential to ensuring that security forces can carry out their duties without hindrance. The government must take swift action to root out corruption, hold officers accountable, and ensure that resources allocated for security are used efficiently and transparently.

Security reforms alone will not solve Nigeria’s growing crisis. To address the root causes of violence, the government must take a broader approach, focusing on improving the socio-economic conditions that drive young people into criminality.

Poverty, unemployment, and lack of opportunity are at the heart of the crisis. In an environment where the future looks bleak, criminal organisations offer a false sense of empowerment and purpose to vulnerable youth. The government must prioritise job creation, invest in education, and provide social support to help young Nigerians escape the cycle of poverty and crime.

At the core of this issue lies Nigeria’s economic reality. With millions of young Nigerians facing limited job prospects and educational opportunities, criminal gangs have been able to recruit new members, offering an escape from the harsh realities of unemployment. The need for real, sustainable options for Nigeria’s youth is urgent—without addressing this, the cycle of violence will continue.

A functioning judicial system is essential to any nation’s security. But in Nigeria, the judiciary is severely underfunded, overburdened, and plagued by political interference. Justice is slow, and in many cases, non-existent. Criminals who commit heinous acts often walk free due to a dysfunctional legal system, perpetuating a sense of impunity that fuels more violence.

To break this cycle, Nigeria urgently needs judicial reform. Courts must be empowered to deliver swift, impartial verdicts. Case backlogs must be cleared, and the legal system must be free from political influence. Without this, criminals will continue to act with impunity, and public confidence in the rule of law will erode further.

President Bola Tinubu and his administration have a critical role to play in addressing Nigeria’s security crisis. This cannot be solved through militarised responses alone. A comprehensive strategy is needed—one that includes economic empowerment, judicial reform, and a commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of society.

In addition to strengthening law enforcement, we must embrace a broader security strategy that involves not just the military and police, but also community leaders, civil society organisations, and international partners. This fight against insecurity is not just about suppressing criminal gangs; it is about addressing the root causes of violence, creating economic opportunities, and rebuilding trust between the government and its people.

Nigeria stands at a crossroads. The country’s security challenges are vast, but so too are the opportunities for meaningful reform. If the government can invest in its people, root out corruption, and restore faith in the justice system, it can break the cycle of violence that is consuming the nation.

But time is running out. The longer we wait to address these issues, the deeper the crisis will grow—threatening not just the country’s future, but the stability of an entire region.