By Dr. John Egbo
Deputy Sheriff (Retired), United States of America; Security Consultant
Email: jnegbo1@gmail.com
Nigeria is grappling with an escalating wave of insecurity that has left millions in a constant state of fear. From the outskirts of Abuja to remote villages in Kaduna, Niger, Kwara, Katsina, Plateau, Benue, Rivers, and Zamfara, kidnapping for ransom has become a daily threat, fueling public frustration and eroding confidence in the nation’s leadership.
Despite repeated promises from successive administrations, many citizens believe the government is failing to respond with the urgency and sincerity the situation demands. Public perception increasingly suggests a troubling disconnect: leaders surrounded by heavily armed security contingents, while ordinary Nigerians remain dangerously exposed.
A Nation Under Siege
Kidnapping has transformed into a lucrative criminal industry, now worth billions of naira annually. Major highways such as Abuja–Kaduna, Enugu–Abuja, Benin–Lagos, and Birnin-Gwari–Funtua have become notorious hotspots for violent attacks.
Communities in the North-West and Middle Belt remain under siege from armed groups labelled as bandits, insurgents, and violent herders. Southern states once perceived as safe—including Edo, Delta, Imo, and Anambra—now record near-daily cases of abduction.
In the first quarter of 2025, Nigeria witnessed a series of mass kidnappings targeting farmers, schoolchildren, worshippers, and even traditional rulers. For many, these incidents reflect a systemic failure and a lack of political will to overhaul the country’s deteriorating security architecture.
“It feels like we’re left to defend ourselves,” said a trader in Suleja who narrowly escaped an attack. “Leaders move with dozens of armed escorts, but ordinary people are on their own.”
Security for the Powerful, Insecurity for the Masses
Public resentment continues to grow over the disproportionate deployment of security personnel to VIPs. Thousands of police officers are reportedly assigned to politicians, wealthy business figures, and their families, leaving communities severely understaffed.
A retired police superintendent, who requested anonymity, described the imbalance bluntly:
“We don’t lack manpower. We lack manpower in the right places. If half of the officers assigned to VIPs were redeployed and equipped, insecurity would drop sharply.”
This inequity persists despite defence budgets running into trillions of naira and the controversial Security Votes allocated to governors. Meanwhile, frontline personnel often operate without basic tools, such as bulletproof vests, reliable communication devices, or functional patrol vehicles. Many officers also endure harsh working conditions with inadequate insurance and poor welfare.
The gap between heavy spending and abysmal security outcomes has deepened frustration not only among citizens but also within the security forces.
Politicisation and Reactive Policing
Analysts warn that political interference continues to undermine Nigeria’s security institutions. Promotions, postings, and procurement decisions are frequently influenced by political interests rather than merit, weakening professionalism across agencies.
In addition, state responses remain reactive. Government action typically follows tragic incidents—such as the recent mass abductions in Kebbi and Niger—despite advance intelligence reports suggesting that some attacks could have been averted.
Dr. Tolu Adebayo, a security researcher at the University of Ibadan, argues that Nigeria’s approach is outdated:
“We cannot wait for attacks before responding. Kidnap syndicates are evolving, some even colluding with insiders. Without intelligence-driven policing, better welfare, and professional autonomy, insecurity will continue.”
Citizens Losing Patience
The impact on ordinary Nigerians has been devastating. Farmers are abandoning farmlands, worsening food insecurity. Transporters avoid key highways. Several Unity Schools in the North remain shut, while others operate under constant threat. Many families have been forced to sell assets to pay ransoms.
“Every day the government talks about billions spent on security, yet bandits still move freely,” an Enugu resident lamented. “We cannot keep living like this.”
A Demand for Genuine Leadership and Reform
With national frustration at a breaking point, citizens and security experts are pushing for immediate action. Key recommendations include:
Reducing VIP police escorts and redeploying personnel to underserved communities.
Compelling ministers and lawmakers to strengthen local security structures during the yuletide, especially vigilantes and Forest Guards.
Improving welfare and insurance for security personnel.
Investing in surveillance drones, modern intelligence tools, and technology-driven policing.
Establishing state police and adopting a multi-tiered policing system.
Ensuring transparency and accountability in defence spending.
Collaborating with international partners to dismantle terrorist financing and cross-border criminal networks.
Strengthening coordination between the military, police, DSS, and community vigilante groups.
Ultimately, Nigerians are demanding more than rhetoric, they want leaders who recognise that security is a fundamental right, not a privilege for the political elite.
As kidnappers grow bolder and communities become increasingly defenceless, the nation stands at a critical crossroads: continue on a reactive path or embrace bold, transformative reforms capable of restoring public trust.
For many Nigerians, the message is unmistakably clear, and the country’s leaders can no longer afford to ignore it.