Amid an alarming rise in terrorist attacks and mass killings across Nigeria, the country’s top security officials are facing heavy public criticism.
Citizens, security experts, and civil society groups are expressing frustration, accusing the nation’s military and police chiefs of failing to curb the violence.
Over the past two weeks alone, about 250 people have been killed in different states including Plateau, Benue, Borno, Kebbi, Katsina, Abia, and Kwara. In Plateau, over 113 people were massacred in attacks blamed on suspected Fulani militants. Similarly, Benue witnessed a death toll of 55 following attacks by armed herders.
Kwara State saw the emergence of a new terror group known as Mahmuda, or the Mallam Group, which recently killed 15 people in a village in Kaiama Local Government Area. The group is also reported to have seized control of several districts in Niger State.
Videos have surfaced of Nigerian soldiers alleging poor equipment and lack of support from authorities, raising concerns about the government’s commitment to the fight against terror.
One name that continues to spark fear is notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, who, despite a presidential directive in September 2024 for security officials to relocate to Sokoto and apprehend him, remains at large. His reign of terror spans Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina, with reports claiming he collects levies from communities and operates with minimal resistance.
Retired General Ishola Williams minced no words, suggesting some service chiefs are benefitting from the chaos. He called for an immediate overhaul of the security architecture and the dismissal of any officials not aligned with national security goals.
Security analyst Dr. Kabir Adamu criticized the lack of coordination among agencies, stating that each agency works in isolation, leaving Nigeria’s borders porous and communities vulnerable.
Others like Debo Adeniran of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights and Lt. Col. Abdulwahab Ademola (retd) echoed these concerns, calling for strict performance targets, better equipment, and a stronger role for state governments in community-based defense.
As pressure mounts, the silence of Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, has only fueled public anger. Stakeholders insist that enough is enough. They want action, not excuses.
What do you think should be done to end this wave of terror? Share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to follow NIGPOST for real-time updates on national security and more!
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