A look at Tinubu’s two-year rule: Why it is necessary to curb insecurity in Nigeria

‎By Kabir Adamu

‎Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken several steps to address the country’s long-standing insecurity.

‎This includes the fight against Boko Haram in the North-East, kidnapping for ransom by armed groups, ethnic conflicts in various parts of the country, and the ongoing instability in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.

‎Under his administration’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda,’ President Tinubu has appointed experienced security personnel to lead various agencies, and extended the tenure of some security chiefs to ensure stability.

 ‎‎The government has also increased the defense budget from N1.25 trillion in 2023 to N3.25 trillion in 2024 (a 160% increase), and to N4.91 trillion in 2025.

‎The Tinubu administration, now halfway through its first term (which is renewable), has put in place new policies to address the root causes of security problems.

‎This includes the establishment of a Ministry of Livestock Development to address herdsmen-farmers conflicts, and the National Commission for the Supervision of Almajiri and Out-of-School Children (NCAOOSC), which will help prevent vulnerable children from joining armed groups to commit acts of violence.

‎‎Just as previous governments have attempted to give local government autonomy, the Tinubu administration has made similar moves.

‎‎This move could help ensure oversight and effective implementation at the national level.

 ‎Also, measures taken to ensure peace in the Niger Delta region have helped increase oil production from 900,000 barrels per day in 2023 to 1.7 million barrels per day currently.

‎Reports show that there has been a decrease in the number of people killed due to terrorist activities.

‎‎Research firms such as Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited (BSIL) and the Global Terrorism Index of the Center for Economic and Peace Research have confirmed this progress.

‎A study conducted by BSIL found that from July 2021 to May 2023, 18,572 people were killed, 9,795 were kidnapped, and 8,483 attacks were carried out.

‎From June 2023 to April 2025, there were 17,617 deaths, 16,462 kidnappings, and 15,437 attacks.

‎However, the number of deaths and the continued attacks remain a cause for concern.

‎The 2024 Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey (CESPS) report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed the same disturbing insecurity situation in Nigeria.

The report, published on December 17 and 18, 2024, reveals how households in Nigeria experienced and perceived insecurity from May 2023 to April 2024.

The report is a stark reminder of how insecurity continues to threaten the economy and how the public is losing trust in security institutions.

Despite government efforts, Nigeria has not achieved the national security level that is commensurate with its development goals.

Security issues such as fragile borders, terrorism and violent crimes such as banditry, herdsmen-farmers conflicts, and other ethnic conflicts remain challenges.

At the end of a meeting in April 2025, governors from the ruling APC and the opposition PDP expressed concern over the worsening insecurity in Nigeria.

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State (APC) and Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State (PDP) have expressed deep concern over the continued loss of life and the ongoing violence.

Governor Zulum lamented the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks in Borno State, saying government troops were “losing control” due to the strength of the insurgents.

Governor Mutfwang, on his part, described the violence in Plateau as a “planned attack” to displace communities, and apologized to the affected families for the government’s failure to protect them.

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State (APC) also expressed concern, saying his state was “in a difficult situation” due to attacks by terrorists and armed groups, attributing most of the attacks to non-Nigerians.

He urged the federal government to take urgent action to root out the insurgents.

 Despite their differences in party affiliation, the governors’ petition highlighted the seriousness of the security situation in Nigeria and the need for urgent and impartial action.

To achieve sustainable security, there is a need to take measures that include improving governance and the sharing of security responsibilities, securing borders, and addressing the root causes of security problems.

Despite the increased funding, the lack of clarity on the roles of the various security agencies is hampering the effectiveness of these funds.

There is a need for regular meetings of the National Security Council for policy-making and effective oversight.

In addition, national security plans and national security policies need to be updated to reflect the current security threat landscape.

Finally, there is a need to establish a mechanism that will ensure accountability for failed security leaders, while strengthening a culture of good governance and preventing impunity.

Calls for the establishment of state police forces must be accompanied by appropriate measures, including constitutional amendments.

 This will allow states and local governments to take responsibility for security at the national level.

However, it is essential to ensure the protection of human rights, the implementation of security measures in rural areas, and the building of trust between communities.

The forest guard recruitment program is a good step, but its success will depend on how well it is implemented.

Nigeria’s security requires a comprehensive approach that includes border management and cooperation with neighboring countries, as well as improving cyber security.

Addressing poverty, creating jobs, and developing rural areas are essential to reducing the likelihood of youth recruitment into militant groups.

In addition, resolving conflicts between herders and farmers, and supporting those affected, will help build peace.

Effective systems must be put in place that include good governance and strong security, and address social issues to achieve sustainable security.

Author: Dr. Kabir Adamu, Managing Director of Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited, a security research and consulting firm operating in the Sahel region.