Nigeria's Security Crisis: Tinubu, Akpabio Face Criticism Over Insecurity Response
Nigeria faces severe security crisis with widespread banditry, mass kidnappings, and jihadist terrorism displacing over 2 million people, according to International Crisis Group. Nigeria is now rated 4th globally for deadliest terrorist operations, with ISWAP named the world's deadliest terror group after 90+ attacks in 2025 resulting in 384 deaths.
President Tinubu's government has suffered significant military casualties, including at least 4-5 Brigadier Generals and several Colonels killed in recent months. Most recently, Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah was killed in Borno State, while Col. I.A. Mohammed and six soldiers died in an IED attack.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio drew criticism when he suggested insecurity increases because 'elections are coming,' claiming 'immediately after the election, two weeks after the election, insecurity will stop.' This echoes previous government explanations for security failures.
The article draws parallels between current Nigerian leadership and characters from Can Themba's 'The Suit,' suggesting Nigerians are being subjected to psychological torment through punitive governance. Tinubu has made unstatesmanlike comments about opposition, referring to them as 'politically displaced persons' and threatening to 'scatter them.'
With elections approaching, Nigerians must critically evaluate official narratives about security and economic policies, while being prepared for potential political manipulation of the crisis.