TWO years into President Bola Tinubu’s administration, insecurity remains a widespread and persistent challenge across many Nigerian states. Despite promises to combat terrorism, banditry, and violent crimes, the country continues to witness killings, kidnappings for ransom, and attacks on rural communities.
Tinubu inherited a deeply rooted security crisis from his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari. But instead of improvement, recent months have seen a surge in violence across regions, raising concerns about the government’s – state and federal – capacity or willingness to protect its citizens.
From Benue to Borno, Plateau to Niger, and Ondo to Sokoto, state governors are struggling to contain the menace, as armed groups unleash chaos, displace communities, and cripple local economies, particularly agriculture.
Tinubu/Shettima unfulfilled promises
In June 2022, while accepting the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential ticket, Tinubu promised to restore peace and eliminate criminals. On the campaign trail Vice President Kashim Shettima even promised to personally lead troops across the country, saying Tinubu would handle the economy while he focused on security.
“By God’s grace, I will handle the security, and not only handle the security, I will lead the troops to battle across the length and breadth of this country,” Shettima boasted.
Yet, nearly 24 months into their tenure, those promises appear largely unfulfilled.
According to Global Rights Nigeria, within the first six weeks of Tinubu’s administration, 555 Nigerians were killed and 267 abducted in violent attacks.
Edo governor talks tough
In Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo has pledged to take a firm stand against criminal elements. During a security meeting held at the home of the senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, Okpebholo assured stakeholders that his government would ensure peace in the state.
“Under my watch, criminal elements will not succeed in destabilising Edo State. I will deal with them decisively and make the state uninhabitable for their activities,” the governor declared.
Benue under fire
Benue State has experienced some of the most deadly attacks in recent months. On April 21, 13 additional bodies were recovered after raids on rural communities in Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas, bringing the total death toll to 69.
Governor Hyacinth Alia had confirmed the discovery of 56 bodies on Sunday, April 20, after visiting the affected areas of the state.
Just days earlier, suspected herders had attacked three communities Emichi, Odudaje, and Okpamaju in Otukpo LGA. Killings in the state have continued.
Plateau: Governor describes killings as genocide
In Plateau State, over 90 people were killed in attacks in April, including 40 in the Zike community and 52 in Bokkos LGA. Governor Caleb Muftwang described the killings as a genocidal onslaught, calling them sponsored and deliberate.
Thousands have been displaced by the recent coordinated attacks that began in March and have since swept across several villages in Bokkos.
Niger: curfew in Minna amid surge in violence
In Niger State, Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago imposed a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew on Minna following a wave of violent attacks. The state government has banned motorcycles and tricycles during curfew hours and urged local leaders to report suspicious activity.
Homes found to be harbouring criminals could also be demolished, according to the new directive.
Ondo: Suspected herders kill nine in two weeks
Ondo State is also under threat. In Akure North LGA, four farmers were killed by suspected herders in early April, less than two weeks after a similar attack claimed five lives. The violence has sparked protests, with farmers demanding urgent government action.
New terror group emerges in Kwara
A new terror group, known as Mahmuda, has begun a string of violent attacks across Kwara and Niger states. The group, reportedly operating in military camouflage, has killed vigilantes and civilians, sparking fear in local communities.
Isolated attacks in Borno
In Borno State, Governor Babagana Zulum raised the alarm over Boko Haram attacks that have overrun military outposts. At a security meeting in Maiduguri on April 8, he called for increased federal intervention and aerial support to curb insurgent activities.
Sokoto: Peace eludes state despite Tinubu’s order for Defence Chiefs to relocate
Sokoto has been plagued by the rise of another group, ‘Lakurawa’. In response, President Tinubu ordered defence chiefs to relocate to the state in 2024. Despite the directive, peace has yet to return fully.
Matawalle, ex-gov of insecurity-plagued Zamfara, appointed as defence minister by Tinubu
Observers have linked Tinubu’s struggle to curb insecurity to his choice of defence leadership. In 2023, he appointed former Zamfara governor Bello Matawalle as Minister of State for Defence, despite Matawalle’s poor track record on security.
Under his tenure as governor (2019–2023), Zamfara became one of the worst-hit states by terrorism, with frequent killings, abductions, and bandit-led extortion. Though he implemented drastic measures telecom shutdowns, movement restrictions, and market closures none proved effective.
Now serving alongside former Jigawa State governor Mohammed Badaru in the Defence Ministry, Matawalle’s appointment continues to draw criticism.
A reporter with the ICIR
A Journalist with a niche for quality and a promoter of good governance