Despite some improvements in Nigeria’s security landscape over recent years, the nation cannot be described as completely safe, according to a security expert. In an exclusive interview with DAILY POST, retired Army Captain and Country Director of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC), Abdullahi Bokaji Adamu, shared his perspective on President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary address.
President Tinubu had stated that security conditions are improving in parts of the country, citing military operations and reforms yielding results against terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers. Adamu noted that both statements—that some areas are safer and that serious insecurity persists—can coexist. He acknowledged that highways once notorious for kidnappings now have heightened military and police presence, and some terrorist leaders have been neutralized, but stressed that significant challenges remain.
Adamu pointed out that kidnappings for ransom continue in the North-West and North-Central regions, and rural communities still suffer attacks from bandits and armed groups. Farmers, herders, and travelers remain vulnerable. He emphasized that security gains are uneven and vary by state, making it premature to declare the country fully secure.
On whether security agencies can locate bandits and end the crisis, Adamu affirmed that modern agencies have intelligence capabilities, surveillance technology, and community networks to track criminal activities. However, completely ending banditry is complex due to vast forests, difficult terrain, alleged informants within communities, weak border controls, poverty, and unemployment that facilitate recruitment. He stressed that prosecution and conviction rates are often inadequate.
Despite these hurdles, Adamu believes banditry can be drastically reduced with stronger political will, better intelligence coordination, improved accountability, and sustained operations. He added that tackling insecurity goes beyond locating criminals; it requires arresting and prosecuting them, disrupting funding sources, stopping arms supplies, protecting vulnerable communities, and addressing the social and economic drivers of recruitment.
In summary, Adamu stated that while some regions show security improvements, persistent kidnappings and bandit attacks indicate much remains undone. Security agencies can locate bandit networks, but ending banditry demands a comprehensive, sustained national effort—not just military action alone.