Insecurity has surged during the first 100 days of President Tinubu’s tenure in Nigeria. Despite his promises to address the long-standing issue of insecurity, the situation has worsened due to economic challenges, leaving many Nigerians feeling hopeless.
Tinubu, during his campaign and inaugural speeches, vowed to prioritize security and reform the country’s security architecture. He pledged to invest in training, equipment, pay, and firepower for security personnel. However, concrete plans to tackle the rising insecurity have yet to be implemented.
Within the initial weeks of Tinubu’s presidency, over 600 people have lost their lives in various incidents involving Boko Haram insurgents, terrorists, ethnic militias, armed robbers, kidnappers, and other non-state actors.
Data from SB Morgen Intelligence and the Council on Foreign Relations’ Nigeria Security Tracker revealed that between May 29, 2023, and July 13, 2023, approximately 629 Nigerians lost their lives due to non-state actor actions. These casualties were distributed unevenly across regions and states, with the North Central and Plateau State experiencing the highest numbers.
Amnesty International also reported that at least 123 lives were lost shortly after Tinubu’s inauguration. Notably, bandits ambushed a military detachment in Niger State, resulting in the deaths of 28 soldiers and four officers, further highlighting the severity of the situation.
Additionally, Global Rights Nigeria reported that 555 people were killed, and 267 others were abducted within six weeks of Tinubu taking office, based on media reports, civil society groups, and security agencies’ findings.
Kidnappings have also surged, with SBM Intelligence reporting 3,620 abductions in 582 cases over 11 months, from July 2022 to June 2023. Ransom demands amounted to approximately N5 billion ($6,410,256), with victims’ families often choosing not to disclose payments, making the actual numbers likely higher.
Various factors contribute to the insecurity in Nigeria, including high unemployment rates, porous borders, economic hardship, and the lack of police reform. The high unemployment rate has led some youths to turn to crime, exacerbating the security situation. Additionally, the country’s porous borders allow for the presence of non-Nigerian nationals, making it difficult to track and regulate individuals within its borders.
Despite the challenges faced by the police force, officers are doing their best to combat crime. However, issues such as the lack of insurance policies, inadequate accommodation, limited scholarships, insufficient training, and outdated equipment hinder their effectiveness.
To improve the security situation, experts recommend addressing unemployment, enhancing border security, and providing better support for the police force, including improved accommodation, remuneration, modern equipment, and training. Additionally, individuals are urged to be vigilant and security-conscious in their daily lives to protect themselves and their communities from crime.
In conclusion, Nigeria continues to grapple with rising insecurity despite President Tinubu’s promises and commitments to address the issue. Urgent and comprehensive measures are needed to curb the violence and restore security to the nation.
