President Bola Tinubu has ordered Nigeria's military leaders to end terrorism and banditry, promising "no more excuses." This order comes as a national security emergency faces immediate tests from ongoing violent attacks across the country.
The President gave the directive on October 30 while decorating new service chiefs in Abuja. He told them Nigerians expect results and to be "innovative, pre-emptive, and courageous." Tinubu specifically warned about new armed groups in the North-Central, North-West, and parts of the South.
A series of attacks happened after the security emergency was declared. On November 29, gunmen attacked a church in Kogi State during a service, kidnapping the pastor and others. In the Federal Capital Territory, bandits kidnapped seven young people from Bwari on November 26.
That same day, 24 farmers were abducted in Niger State. These events follow major earlier incidents. These include the kidnapping of over 200 students in Niger State and 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi State.
The armed forces report some recent operational wins. On November 29, troops stopped an attack by over 300 terrorists near Chibok in Borno State. The next day, soldiers rescued seven kidnap victims in Katsina State. Also on November 29, forces freed 12 teenage girls kidnapped in Borno State.
Security analysts say lasting solutions need more than declarations. They point to deep problems in intelligence and technology use. For example, poor communication technology hampered a rescue attempt for a kidnapped general in Borno.
President Tinubu's broader plan targets ungoverned forests used by militants. He promises to "take over the forests" and use more technology for surveillance. Bandit attacks in the Northwest rose 731% between 2018 and 2022. One major forest hideout spans 220 kilometers across several local government areas.
The emergency measures include recruiting 20,000 more police officers. Police on VIP guard duty will be retrained and sent to violent areas. The government also wants to create state police forces.
The violence hurts Nigeria's economy and deters investment. President Tinubu noted that "investment is cowardly" and will not go where there is banditry. Data shows Katsina State got zero foreign investment in the first nine months of 2024. Nationwide, 102 factories closed between 2020 and 2024, partly due to insecurity.
At a recent forum in Kaduna, leaders linked security to economic recovery. Tinubu promised to fast-track oil production and road projects in the North.