Nigeria's Security Crisis: Pathways to Reform and Leadership Accountability

President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria

In recent weeks, deeply disturbing images and videos have emerged across social media platforms and online news outlets, painting a harrowing picture of the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria. One such video shows a group of armed herdsmen dancing with the severed limbs of their victims. Another, published by Sahara Reporters, captures the horrifying cries of kidnapped victims begging for mercy.

These are not isolated events; they are symptoms of a broader national emergency. In a country with a substantial security budget and a sitting President, no region is truly safe. The daily threat of abduction, violent assault, or death is now part of life for ordinary Nigerians, underscoring the glaring disconnect between government promises and lived realities.

Multiple theories attempt to explain the nation’s descent into lawlessness. Some argue that the violence in the North is a calculated attempt to depopulate the region, while others believe it is politically orchestrated to discredit the current administration. Regardless of these speculations, one fact remains indisputable: national security, public safety, and human dignity must be the foremost responsibility of any government. Sadly, for over a decade, successive administrations have failed to meet this basic obligation.

A recurring problem is the mischaracterization of violence. Not all acts of insecurity in Nigeria are terrorism. Yet, every incident is conveniently labeled as such, often for political expedience or financial gain. This tendency inflates the scope of the threat and allows corrupt actors to secure larger budgets without meaningful accountability. In reality, most incidents—ranging from kidnapping for ransom or ritual purposes to armed robbery and banditry—are better classified as crimes of opportunity fueled by weak institutions, economic desperation, and poor leadership.

Compounding the problem is the troubling complicity of some security operatives and political elites. Numerous reports point to instances where arms procured for national defense find their way into the hands of criminals, often through illicit deals with corrupt security personnel. Worse still, certain politicians have been directly implicated in funding or sheltering criminal networks.

Cybercrime has further exacerbated Nigeria’s security challenges. Online fraud, identity theft, and financial scams are rising at an alarming rate, eroding public trust and damaging Nigeria’s global reputation. As this crisis deepens, the need for leadership rooted in integrity and strategic foresight becomes more urgent than ever.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, must now assume direct control of the national security agenda. This responsibility cannot be outsourced or diluted. The President must urgently appoint capable and patriotic individuals to lead Nigeria’s security and intelligence agencies. Competence, integrity, and genuine love for country—not political affiliation or personal loyalty—must be the defining traits for these appointments.

Furthermore, while technology plays a crucial role in modern security, it cannot substitute for strong leadership, ethical personnel, and robust institutional processes. Nigeria has spent vast sums on surveillance tools, military hardware, and digital platforms—yet insecurity persists. In many cases, technological tools fail because the human element is compromised. As security professionals know, the effective framework of security begins with people, is sustained by processes, and is merely supported by technology. Unfortunately, Nigeria’s overreliance on technology, in the absence of capable human actors and sound operational doctrine, has yielded little progress.

Equally important is the welfare of commissioned and non-commissioned officers. Without adequate pay, healthcare, training, and career progression, morale will remain low and corruption will flourish. A new doctrine must be established—one that rewards professionalism, upholds dignity, and dismantles the culture of favoritism. The transformation of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) under the leadership of General Buba Marwa serves as a clear example. Once regarded as ineffective, the agency has become an international model for excellence through firm leadership, accountability, and purpose-driven reforms.

Nigeria can replicate this success across its security sector—if the right people are placed in positions of authority.

Lastly, Nigeria must embrace a more decentralized security structure. True federalism requires the devolution of power to state governments. Local and regional security apparatuses—including state police, community watch units, and inter-state collaboration—will be essential to maintaining law and order across Nigeria’s vast and diverse landscape.

Nigeria stands at a historic crossroads. The current state of insecurity is not merely a failure of policy; it is a failure of leadership. What the nation needs now is bold vision, courageous governance, and a commitment to place national interest above personal gain. Anything less will condemn the country to further chaos—and its people to continued suffering.

Dr. Oludare Ogunlana is a cybersecurity professor, policy analyst, and the CEO of Ogun Security Research and Strategic Consulting. He specializes in national security, cyber intelligence, and governance strategy.