A Nation Under Threat: Understanding Nigeria’s Insecurity Crisis -By Omohwo Purity

Since its independence in 1960, Nigeria has witnessed enormous turmoil in issues ranging from politics, inflation, coup, brutal force of military rule under the guise of intervention, and insecurity. The period following Nigeria’s independence was characterized by disillusionment. We once had a nation for which enormous sacrifices were made. Those nationalists fought for a place where people from all ethnic groups could call theirs, and live without the fear of exploitation, forced labour, outrageous taxation, and other depressing issues that came with colonialism. On the 1st October 1960, the entire federation celebrated independence. This was the answer to the prayers of the faithful. But this freedom was later revealed to be a guise for corruption, inflation, insecurity, and bad leadership. From prime ministers to heads of state, and then Presidents. They began feeding the nation with lies and unfulfilled promises. Peace excluded the people against their expectations.

Over the years, the condition of Nigeria has continued to deteriorate. Citizens felt cheated during colonial rule and after the liberation, their hopes were shattered. The suffering of Nigerians has been from bad to worse. It has all been linked to bad governance. The most pressing of them all being insecurity. On 14th April 2014, the Chibok girls were abducted by Boko Haram in Chibok, Borno state, during the presidency of Goodluck Jonathan. This incident gained global attention, and criticism was made about the government’s response.

For a long time, Boko Haram continued the violent attacks and they went scot-free. On 11th December 2020, at Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina state, the dormitories faced armed gunmen at night. This attack led to the mass abduction of boarding students. Over some years, hundreds of people were abducted by these men, and in most cases they were reported wearing the Nigerian Army’s camouflage during operations. In March 2022, during a full train travel between Abuja and Kaduna, there was a train attack by Boko Haram which led to the death of several people and the abduction of many passengers. This insurgence spread through the country. Making headlines yet the Nigerian government turned a deaf ear.

By 2025, insecurity took on a more dangerous turn as the terrorists group evolved and gave rise to armed bandits groups responsible for abduction, rape, fear, insecurity, and compounded pain, operating with increasing boldness across rural areas. This raised questions about security and governance. In recent recorded happenings, the school sector has continued to face attacks and massacre by these backed bandits.

On 15 May 2026, there was a successful abduction. Three schools at Oyo were attacked: L.A. Primary School, Community Grammar School, as well as Baptist Nursery and Primary School all in the Oriire local government area, Oyo state. This inhuman experience occurred in the broad daylight while school activities were in full swing. As gathered, these “bandits”, were seen during the operation, wearing the Nigerian Army’s camouflage uniforms. And this has led to the question: “how are these people in possession of the uniform?” Dozens of students and a number of teachers were abducted. Mr Joel Adebayo Adesiyan, a teacher in Ahoro-Esinele was shot dead during the abduction while he was desperately trying to save his students. Yet another Mr Michael Oyedokun ( 57 years) mathematics teacher was beheaded in captivity. He left a widow and two children.

Alamu Folawe, the vice principal of the Community Grammar School, was captured alongside thirty-nine students. Others as mentioned are: Muhammed Ibrahim (8 years), Joshua Adeleje, (13 years), Hassan Azeeza (14 years), and Fatimo Jimoh (15 years). One of the most tragic cases was the case of Christianah Akanabi, the two-year-old girl. According to the report by community members and broken families, most of the children had left home in perfect health and mind. Christianah Akanbi eventually died under the hard situation of captivity. Students and teachers alike died and still suffering torture in abandoned forests. The courage of teachers as they fought to protect their students, created a clear irony to the meagre input of government security.

Also, the North-West and North-East regions of Nigeria remain vulnerable to attacks, raids, and kidnappings despite government security efforts. A report from a school proprietor on the 11th of June, 2026 states that:  “from 11:30am, when I heard the news that bandits had invaded the community and were targeting schools, I continued to receive calls from parents of my pupils wanting to find out if their children were safe.”

As a response to the calls, she said, “I simply told them that I also heard the rumor but had not seen any terrorist. I have also contacted the state police command, and the PRO has assured me that there was nothing like that. I don’t know what to believe again because the way bandits are abducting school children and the government appears helpless, is a major cause for concern.”

The pattern of insecurity in Nigeria has evolved from mainly Boko Haram insurgency in the country to include banditry, mass kidnappings, farmer herder conflict, and the attacks on transportation and schools across different regions of the country. The insecurity in the country has become a major source of worry for citizens. The government should urgently look into the matter and stop feeding us empty promises.