Why Insecurity Persists in Nigeria by Dr. Salim Musa Umar, FCIDA
Nigeria’s insecurity crisis has become so persistent, so normalized, that each new outrage risks blending into the background noise of national life. From banditry in the North-West to insurgency in the North-East, farmer-herder conflicts in the Middle Belt, and rising urban crime across major cities, the pattern is unmistakable: violence mutates, spreads, and embeds itself deeper into the fabric of the state. The question is no longer what is happening, but why it continues despite years of interventions, military campaigns, and political promises.
Part of the answer lies in a truth many prefer to avoid: insecurity in Nigeria is not merely a failure of force; it is a failure of governance.
At the political level, insecurity is often treated less as a problem to be solved and more as a condition to be managed or even manipulated. In the heat of elections, some political actors resort to ethnic and religious rhetoric, inflaming divisions that outlive the campaign season.
These narratives may deliver short-term electoral gains, but they leave behind fractured communities and deepened mistrust. When leaders frame security challenges through the narrow lens of identity, they obscure the real drivers of violence poverty, competition over resources, weak institutions and instead feed cycles of suspicion and retaliation.
Closely tied to this is the systematic erosion of local governance. Nigeria’s local governments were designed to serve as the closest tier of authority to the people, capable of responding swiftly to grassroots challenges. Today, many exist in name only. Their autonomy has been hollowed out, their finances controlled from above, and their leadership often reduced to administrative extensions of state governments.
The consequence is a dangerous vacuum: communities facing security threats lack responsive, accountable structures to address them early. What begins as a local dispute over land, water, or grazing routes can quickly escalate into widespread violence because the first line of governance is either absent or ineffective.
The weakening of local institutions also undermines intelligence gathering. Security is not only about firepower; it is about information, trust, and community cooperation. When local authorities are disconnected from the people, and when citizens see little benefit in engaging with government structures, critical intelligence is lost. In such an environment, criminal groups operate with relative ease, blending into communities that feel abandoned or distrustful of the state.
Yet governance failures alone do not fully explain the persistence of insecurity. There is also the issue of accountability or the lack of it within the security architecture itself. Nigeria’s security forces have, over the years, demonstrated courage and sacrifice in confronting complex threats. However, these efforts are often undermined by systemic challenges: inadequate welfare, poor coordination, and, critically, a culture of impunity.
Allegations of corruption within segments of the security services are not new. From procurement irregularities to the diversion of operational resources, such practices weaken the effectiveness of security operations and erode public confidence. When citizens perceive that those entrusted with their protection are themselves compromised, cooperation diminishes.
Communities become reluctant to share information, and in some cases, may even resort to self-help or vigilantism, further complicating the security landscape. Most communities prefer to sit and the government for not responding to their vital needs of providing security. It is important for community leaders to realise and nurture the 2 religious leaders is deafening.
Impunity compounds the problem. Instances of misconduct, whether by security personnel or political actors rarely lead to visible consequences. This absence of accountability sends a dangerous signal: that power can be exercised without responsibility. In such an environment, abuses go unchecked, grievances accumulate, and the legitimacy of the state is steadily eroded.
Economic factors also play a significant role. Widespread unemployment, especially among the youth, creates a fertile recruitment ground for criminal networks and insurgent groups.
When legitimate opportunities are scarce, the incentives to engage in illicit activities increase. This is not to excuse criminality, but to recognize that insecurity often thrives where economic desperation meets weak governance.
Moreover, Nigeria’s vast and porous borders present an additional layer of complexity. The movement of arms, fighters, and illicit goods across these borders fuels internal conflicts. Without effective border management and regional cooperation, domestic security efforts are constantly undermined by external dynamics.
Despite these challenges, the persistence of insecurity is not inevitable. It is the product of choices, political, institutional, and societal and can be addressed through deliberate, sustained action.
First, there must be a renewed commitment to strengthening local governance. Restoring the autonomy and capacity of local governments is essential for early conflict detection and resolution. Communities need leaders who are both empowered and accountable, capable of responding to their specific security realities.
Second, political leaders must abandon the dangerous practice of exploiting identity for gain. Nation-building requires a unifying vision that transcends ethnic and religious divides. Responsible rhetoric is not merely a moral imperative; it is a security necessity.
Third, comprehensive reforms within the security sector are overdue. This includes improving welfare for personnel, enhancing coordination among agencies, and, crucially, establishing robust mechanisms for accountability.
Transparency in procurement and operations can help rebuild public trust and ensure that resources are used effectively.
Fourth, economic policies must prioritize job creation and inclusive growth. Addressing the underlying socio-economic drivers of insecurity is as important as any military strategy. When citizens have a stake in the system, they are more likely to defend it.
Finally, there must be a collective recognition that security is a shared responsibility. Government, communities, civil society, and the private sector all have roles to play. Trust must be rebuilt, and that begins with consistent, credible actions from those in positions of authority.
Nigeria’s insecurity crisis did not emerge overnight, and it will not be resolved quickly. But its persistence is not a mystery. It is rooted in governance failures, political choices, and institutional weaknesses that can, with the right will, be addressed. The real question is whether the country is prepared to confront these issues honestly or continue managing the symptoms while the disease deepens.
Dr. Salim is Secretary JNI Plateau State and Chairman Farmers and Herders Initiative for Peace and Development, www.farmersandherders.org
can be contacted on:
080 3702 3807
www.farmersandherders.org
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