War Against Insecurity: Facts Critics Must Not Ignore

Nigeria’s worsening security situation has once again taken centre stage following the deadly attack on Darul Jamal village in Borno State, where suspected Boko Haram insurgents killed dozens of residents in a late-night raid. The coordinated assault left the community devastated, with homes destroyed and survivors displaced, sparking nationwide outrage and renewed debates on the government’s counter-insurgency strategies. While criticisms of the government’s handling of security are growing louder, experts and security analysts argue that the crisis is far more complex than it may appear. They insist there are key realities critics must not ignore if Nigeria is to find lasting solutions to the problem. The attack on Darul Jamal was described as one of the deadliest in recent times, with survivors recounting how armed militants went from house to house, killing villagers and burning down properties. Many of the victims had only just returned home after years of living in displacement camps. President Bola Tinubu condemned the killings, calling them “barbaric and unacceptable,” and directed the security forces to review ongoing operations while promising additional equipment, surveillance tools, and possible reforms, including the establishment of state policing. Nigeria’s security crisis is not limited to the northeast insurgency. Armed banditry and mass kidnappings continue to ravage the northwest, communal violence disrupts lives in the central belt, and militant activities in the Niger Delta pose further threats to the nation’s stability. Each of these conflicts is distinct, requiring tailored approaches rather than a single national strategy. Despite several military offensives, extremist groups remain resilient and adaptive. Boko Haram splinters and Islamic State affiliates have exploited porous borders, poverty, weak governance, and community frustrations to regroup and sustain their campaigns of violence. Reports show that militant-linked deaths remain high across West Africa, pointing to the persistence of the threat despite counterterrorism operations. The humanitarian impact of insecurity cannot be overstated. Millions remain displaced, and food insecurity is worsening as aid agencies face funding shortages. Many humanitarian programmes have been scaled back even as the number of those in need continues to grow. Though international partners, including the United States, have announced new support packages, aid groups warn that the assistance falls short of what is urgently needed. Critics also highlight persistent gaps in Nigeria’s security response. Residents of Darul Jamal claimed that warnings were issued before the attack but no action was taken, reflecting recurring failures in intelligence sharing, rapid deployment, and coordination. Without accountability for such lapses, trust between communities and security agencies remains fragile. Rights groups have further warned that heavy-handed tactics and allegations of abuses by security forces risk alienating civilians, undermining the legitimacy of the entire security campaign. Experts argue that accountability, civilian protection, and community trust are as important as weapons and military strategies in defeating insecurity. The Tinubu administration is under mounting pressure to deliver tangible results. Analysts recommend an integrated approach that combines stronger intelligence-led military operations with community policing, economic recovery, job creation, and sustained humanitarian relief. International support, especially consistent funding for humanitarian programmes, is equally critical to stabilising vulnerable communities. Nigeria’s insecurity remains a deeply entrenched challenge, but critics and policymakers alike must recognise its complex nature. Beyond pointing out failures, there is an urgent need to demand accountability, insist on reforms, and support comprehensive solutions that blend security, governance, and development. Only then can the country hope to break the cycle of violence and displacement that has plagued it for more than a decade.