Escalating Violence and Security Response Across Nigeria
A surge in violent attacks across Nigeria has prompted the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to deploy a special squad and implement comprehensive reforms within the Police Mobile Force (PMF). The alarming rise in attacks, particularly in states like Kwara, Benue, and Sokoto, has resulted in significant loss of life, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced security measures. The IG’s directive mandates all PMF squadrons to maintain a constant state of readiness, ensuring swift response capabilities to quell escalating crises and provide tactical support to overwhelmed state commands. This initiative aims to restore the PMF’s role as a primary force in internal security and tactical operations.
Key elements of the IG’s reform agenda include regular training focused on operational proficiency, ethical conduct, and responsible policing. Squadron sizes will be reviewed and streamlined to optimize operational effectiveness and agility. Commanders will be held accountable for their personnel’s actions, emphasizing proactive leadership through consistent training and inspections. The withdrawal of PMF personnel from non-core duties, such as escort assignments, is also underway, redirecting resources towards combating violent crime and bolstering national security. This strategic shift signifies a renewed commitment to addressing the root causes of insecurity and restoring public trust in law enforcement.
In Kwara State, the peaceful community of Ilesha Baruba was shattered by a deadly attack on a motor park, resulting in six fatalities. A separate attack in Kaiama LGA claimed the life of a vigilante. The Kwara State Police Command has launched investigations into both incidents, intensifying tactical operations and arresting an informant linked to a bandit network. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, along with high-ranking military and security officials, conducted a security assessment of the affected areas, engaging with local leaders and stakeholders to address the escalating violence. The collaborative efforts underscore a commitment to restoring peace and order in the affected communities.
Benue State has also witnessed a spate of horrific attacks. In the Ukum Local Government Area, a suspected bandit reportedly killed 11 people, adding to the mounting death toll from recent attacks by armed herders. While the perpetrator’s mental state is debated, the incident highlights the pervasive insecurity plaguing the region. National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, visited Benue State to offer condolences and assure residents of the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing the crisis. Ribadu acknowledged the long-standing nature of the insecurity, emphasizing the administration’s determination to implement effective strategies for lasting peace.
The Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State has been targeted by members of the Lakurawa terror group, who launched deadly raids on Adarawa and Huymar Dutsi villages, resulting in casualties and widespread looting. The attackers’ brazen tactics, including roadblocks and livestock rustling, have instilled fear in local communities, prompting urgent calls for increased security intervention. The frequency of attacks has raised concerns about the security apparatus’s effectiveness and the need for more robust preventative measures.
In response to the widespread insecurity, the Northern States Governors’ Forum has adopted a joint approach to combatting banditry and terrorism. Governor Muhammadu Yahaya of Gombe State, chair of the forum, is leading efforts to foster inter-state cooperation, intelligence sharing, and coordinated security operations. This collaborative strategy seeks to address the escalating violence plaguing the northern region, ensuring the safety and security of its residents. Simultaneously, Katsina State has invested heavily in security infrastructure and adopted a multi-pronged approach involving both kinetic and non-kinetic measures, including the establishment of a community security watch corps, the recruitment of vigilante members and civilian hunters, and the provision of financial assistance to victims of banditry.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has deployed 115 military personnel to the Akoko area to address security challenges. He has also committed to expanding the Amotekun Corps and investing in advanced equipment and technology. These measures underscore the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens. Meanwhile, in Benue State, Governor Hyacinth Alia has identified the perpetrators of the attacks as foreigners based on their language and behavior, highlighting the potential involvement of external elements in the escalating violence. This alarming development underscores the complexity of the security challenges facing the nation and the need for a comprehensive and multi-faceted response.
