Fresh Attacks Test Tinubu’s Security Emergency As Anxiety Grows Nationwide
By ABDUL AHMED (A.A.) RUFUS
NIGERIA’S security crisis deepened last week as fresh kidnappings, killings, and coordinated raids across multiple states intensified pressure on President Bola Tinubu’s declared nationwide security emergency. From Kogi and Kwara to Kano, communities continue to reel amid attacks that highlight persistent vulnerabilities and rising public anxiety.
In Kogi State, gunmen stormed a Cherubim and Seraphim church in Ejiba, abducting the pastor, his wife, and several worshippers during Sunday service. Residents described the assault as terrifying, forcing many to flee, while Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo imposed a 4:00 p.m. curfew on social, religious, and political activities to curb further violence.
Kano State witnessed another deadly attack when bandits on motorcycles shot dead a 60-year-old grandmother in Yankamaye village and abducted three others. Meanwhile, in Kwara State, masked gunmen kidnapped Oba Kamilu Salami, the Ojibara of Bayagan, along with several villagers, demanding a ransom of N150 million.
Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) condemned the attacks, calling them a direct challenge to Tinubu’s security emergency and highlighting the absence of effective intelligence and response strategies. The group accused nepotism in security appointments and inadequate policing as key factors fueling the surge in violence.
In response, President Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to confronting criminal networks, describing the security emergency as a declaration of war on insurgents and bandits. Through the Minister of Information, he highlighted efforts to expand the capacity of the armed forces, upgrade weaponry and intelligence resources, and push for State Police to complement federal security operations.
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), warned that Nigeria’s fight against insurgency is a “people’s war” but argued that coordinated strategies could neutralize threats within months. He called for constitutional reforms, specialist counter-intelligence units, community-based security structures, and addressing root causes such as poverty and radicalization.
The Presidency also issued a stern response to former leaders, including Olusegun Obasanjo, criticizing their recent comments as undermining anti-terror efforts and warning against providing moral victories to violent groups.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force carried out precision strikes in Katsina and Borno States, destroying bandits’ camps and halting coordinated ISWAP attacks. Troops also intercepted armed militias in Taraba State, neutralizing threats linked to local communal disputes.
Calls for comprehensive security reforms continue to grow. Arewa Consultative Forum chairman Bashir Dalhatu urged a mix of negotiation and force, suggesting a reintegration model similar to the Niger Delta amnesty programme. Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka called for enhanced protection for schools, emphasizing security education and preparedness.
Former PFN president Rev. Felix Omobude advocated seeking external assistance to combat terrorism while warning against civilian armament. Senator Ali Ndume praised the military for rescuing abducted girls in Borno and renewed calls for improved funding and welfare for troops. UK-based human rights lawyer Chief Niyi Aborisade urged the establishment of state police to allow states to respond swiftly to local threats and complement federal efforts.
As attacks mount, experts and citizens alike are pressing for a multifaceted approach—combining intelligence-led operations, community engagement, institutional reforms, and emergency preparedness—to contain insecurity and restore public confidence. The unfolding violence underscores that Nigeria’s security emergency is far from symbolic, demanding decisive action at all levels of governance.
