Sir: April further showed Nigeria as a nation whose security architecture is under siege from terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers. Far from fearing our security operatives, criminal elements across the country displayed shocking audacity, sending a chilling reminder that the battle for Nigeria’s soul remains bloody and unresolved.
In a horrific display of lawlessness, notorious bandit leader Bello Turji celebrated Eid in Sokoto by executing kidnapped victims—recording and broadcasting the gruesome act without fear of consequences. Across parts of Katsina, Kaduna, and Zamfara, bandits not only continued their reign of terror but have begun levying taxes and operating parallel governments in areas still supposedly under state control.
Compounding public anxiety, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu made headlines when he advised families of kidnapped victims to “stop paying ransom.” While theoretically sound, the reality is far more brutal. Without swift and credible government intervention, desperate families are left with no option but to finance their own tragedies. Until state forces can decisively rescue captives, this vicious cycle will continue.
In just one month, attacks escalated across Plateau, Kwara, and Benue states, leaving communities in mourning. Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents resurfaced with deadly ambushes, signaling their continued relevance in Nigeria’s security equation.
April’s bloodshed has revealed not just operational lapses but a deep strategic and moral crisis. The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) must urgently intensify efforts, especially by working discreetly with rescued victims to extract intelligence, boost surveillance systems, and dismantle criminal networks across the board.
Read Also: FEC approves Nigeria’s membership of Asian Infrastructure Bank
While commendable successes by security operatives—such as rescuing hostages and recovering illegal arms—were recorded, they were dwarfed by the scale of atrocities witnessed within just 30 days.
The Department of State Services (DSS), often criticised and even facing calls for its disbandment, must seize this moment to redeem itself. Encouragingly, recent commendations from the Plateau State government and Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna for the DSS’s contributions to curbing insecurity suggest a glimmer of institutional reliability. Their successful arrests of gunrunners and dismantling of kidnapping syndicates are steps in the right direction.
Notably, the DSS also intercepted a British Army Major in Delta State attempting to smuggle 50 AK-47 rifles and ammunition—a major bust, and a signal that the service can perform under pressure. Their ability to withstand calls for the suspect’s release further strengthens public confidence.
Going forward, DSS and ONSA must strengthen collaboration through real-time joint operations, intelligence-sharing, and visible outcomes. The Nigerian Intelligence Agency (NIA) also must integrate its overseas capabilities with ONSA’s domestic strategies. Today’s criminals are sophisticated—our response must be smarter.
Beyond the battlefield, Nigeria’s fight against corruption also demands attention. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) must intensify efforts, not only with ongoing arrests of internet fraudsters but by pursuing justice in high-profile cases involving figures like Betta Edu and Sadiya Umar Farouq.
Regarding Aisha Achimugu’s case, the EFCC must adhere to due process and uphold its promise to act with diligence and integrity. Recent arrests, including that of Bauchi State Accountant General Sirajo Muhammad Jaja, show the commission is active—but visibility and transparency are critical.
Despite receiving accolades—such as the Government Spokesperson Award and the Courage in Justice and Transparency Award from the Nigerian Human Rights Community—EFCC must do more to recover funds stolen through schemes like CBEX. Collaborating with Interpol to dismantle international fraud networks and prevent future scams using forged EFCC certificates will reinforce the commission’s credibility both locally and abroad.
Transparency is the only antidote to growing public cynicism about the commission’s integrity.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), though laudably organising programmes like its stakeholders’ meeting on accountability in local government, must now transition from talk to action. Corruption within Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) remains rampant. A recent ICPC report showed that over 60 percent of corruption cases involved the diversion of healthcare funds—a scandal that demands decisive intervention.
April has ended, but the wounds it inflicted are still fresh. If we’ve learned anything, it is that the fear of the Nigerian state must be restored—not with hollow rhetoric, but through coordinated, courageous, and relentless action.