Nigeria is facing mounting criticism over its escalating security crisis, with over 250 people reportedly killed in just two weeks across several states, including Plateau, Benue, Borno, and Katsina. Stakeholders, civil society organizations, and retired military personnel have accused the country’s security chiefs of incompetence and complacency, suggesting they may be benefiting from the ongoing chaos.
A new terror group, known as Mahmuda or the Mallam Group, has emerged in the North Central, further complicating Nigeria’s fragile security landscape already plagued by Boko Haram, ISWAP, and numerous bandit factions. Meanwhile, notorious warlord Bello Turji remains at large, despite presidential directives for military intervention in Sokoto.
Experts blame a lack of coordination among security agencies, poor intelligence gathering, and porous borders. Calls for the restructuring of the security architecture, dismissal of underperforming service chiefs, and increased involvement of state governments through community defense mechanisms are gaining momentum. Critics argue that without accountability, meaningful progress in national security remains unlikely.
