As the Senate of Nigeria resumes for plenary this week, the major topic on its agenda is the ongoing security challenges facing the country. These challenges, which have persisted for years, continue to affect various regions, particularly in the northern parts and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The issue of insecurity remains a primary concern for the current government led by President Bola Tinubu.
Security problems in Nigeria have been an ongoing issue since the start of the Fourth Republic in 1999. Under the leadership of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the country initially faced challenges related to communal clashes and ethno-religious conflicts. However, as time progressed, these issues evolved into more severe forms of violence, including insurgencies.
One of the most significant security challenges in the history of Nigeria was the rise of Boko Haram. This militant group emerged in the northeastern state of Borno in the late 2000s, particularly during the presidency of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. The group, known for its violent attacks and radical ideology, spread its activities to other parts of the country, including Adamawa, Yobe, Kano, and Kaduna states.
By 2009, President Yar’Adua’s administration took military action against Boko Haram, effectively suppressing the group for a period. However, the insurgents resurfaced in 2010 under President Goodluck Jonathan’s government and escalated their attacks, including bombings, killings, and abductions. These violent acts reached the capital city of Abuja, with the group carrying out devastating bombings that led to loss of life and destruction of property.
The Boko Haram insurgency continued to plague Nigeria throughout Jonathan’s presidency. In fact, the insecurity caused by the group contributed to Jonathan losing the 2015 presidential election to Muhammadu Buhari, who ran under the All Progressives Congress (APC). Despite Buhari’s government making significant strides to weaken Boko Haram and other insurgent groups, the security situation remained challenging.
During Buhari’s tenure, Nigeria faced an increase in violence from both Boko Haram and its splinter group, the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP). Alongside these insurgencies, the country also grappled with other forms of criminal activity, particularly banditry and kidnapping. These issues did not subside after Buhari left office in 2023, and they were inherited by President Bola Tinubu when he took office.
From the moment President Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, he faced an escalating security crisis. The rise in banditry, kidnappings, and violent attacks, particularly in rural areas, has placed enormous pressure on his administration. One of the most distressing incidents occurred in December 2023 when a series of attacks in Plateau State left nearly 200 people dead.
Banditry and kidnappings have also become significant concerns in urban areas like Abuja, where innocent people have been abducted by criminal groups. These incidents have caused widespread panic among residents, leading many to question the government’s ability to secure the nation. This sense of fear was particularly evident in January 2024, when kidnappings in Abuja reached alarming levels. Many Nigerians were forced to raise funds to pay ransoms for loved ones who had been abducted.
The situation has caused immense distress across the country, with people constantly worried about their safety. The inability of the government to fully tackle the menace of kidnapping has led to growing frustration among Nigerians, especially those who feel that the government is not doing enough to ensure their safety.
In response to the worsening security situation, a group called “Womanifesto,” which represents over 500 women’s organizations across Nigeria, issued a public statement urging the National Assembly to take immediate action. The group highlighted the Constitution’s guarantee of citizens’ right to life, liberty, and personal security and called on lawmakers to take swift action to address the growing problem of insecurity in the country.
The group also emphasized the increasing frequency of kidnappings, with over 380 people being abducted in the space of just one month (from December 2023 to January 2024). According to statistics from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), the number of kidnapping incidents in the country has been steadily rising, with thousands of people affected between June 2022 and July 2023.
Womanifesto’s statement also criticized the National Assembly for extending its holiday after the Christmas and New Year recess while the country faced such a dire security situation. The group condemned the perceived indifference of lawmakers and urged them to cut their holiday short and resume their duties immediately.
As the Senate reconvenes this week, insecurity is expected to be at the forefront of discussions. Several motions and debates on the issue are expected to take place in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Additionally, there may be security summits or meetings with the heads of security agencies, as has been done in previous legislative sessions.
In the Senate, Senator Ireti Kingibe recently announced that the Senate would invite the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, to address concerns about rising insecurity in Abuja. The move is part of the Senate’s ongoing efforts to hold government officials accountable for their handling of security issues.
The National Assembly’s discussions will likely focus on several key areas, including the need for improved coordination among security agencies, increased funding for law enforcement, and the implementation of more proactive measures to combat kidnapping and other criminal activities. Given the severity of the security crisis, it is expected that lawmakers will push for urgent and comprehensive reforms to improve the safety of Nigerians.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with its security challenges, the government faces mounting pressure from citizens and civil society organizations to act decisively. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated, and the government must take immediate steps to address the growing wave of insecurity.
For President Tinubu, the path forward will require a multifaceted approach, including strengthening law enforcement agencies, increasing intelligence gathering, and improving the country’s security infrastructure. While progress has been made in certain areas, there is still much work to be done to restore confidence in the government’s ability to protect its citizens.
Insecurity remains the most pressing challenge facing Nigeria as the Senate resumes plenary this week. The government must prioritize the safety and security of its citizens by taking swift and effective action. This issue will continue to dominate discussions in the coming months, and it is essential that both the executive and legislative branches of government work together to address the problem head-on. With the right strategies in place, there is hope that Nigeria can overcome its security challenges and provide a safer environment for all its citizens.
