Former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar has highlighted the severe security challenges in Northern Nigeria, attributing them to a combination of poverty, unemployment, weak governance, and institutional failures. These deep-rooted issues have not only fueled insecurity but have created a fertile environment for violence to spread, worsening the situation over time.

Abubakar’s comments came during a lecture organized by the News Agency of Nigeria, where he emphasized that insecurity is not solely the government’s burden. He urged all Nigerians to take part in combating this crisis, noting that overcoming the current insecurity is a collective responsibility. He expressed the importance of not losing hope, stressing the need for Nigerians to collaborate with security agencies to restore peace.

“If insurgency lasts for more than 24 hours, the government has a hand in it” – SANI ABACHA.

The former head of state further detailed the contributing factors to insecurity, such as the proliferation of small arms, climate change, and environmental degradation, which have all played significant roles in worsening the crisis. He warned that these factors, combined with the failure of institutions, have devastated many regions across the country.

Similarly, Minister of Information Mohammed Idris pointed out Nigeria’s vulnerability due to its porous borders with Sahelian countries embroiled in conflict. These border regions have allowed insurgents, illegal arms traders, and other transnational criminals to operate with impunity, further exacerbating Nigeria’s internal challenges.

“There can be no faith in government if our highest offices are excused from scrutiny — they should be setting the example of transparency.” — Edward 

Despite these setbacks, Idris reassured the public that the country is making progress in the war against insecurity, citing recent acquisitions of military equipment as efforts to bolster the Armed Forces’ capacity. Likewise, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, underscored the impact of regional instability, particularly in the Sahel, as a significant factor contributing to Nigeria’s own struggles with insurgency, human trafficking, and arms smuggling.

Musa traced the roots of insecurity back to global events, notably the collapse of Libya in 2011, which led to an influx of weapons and fighters across the Sahel, further destabilizing the region. Nigeria, being a major player in West Africa, has been heavily impacted by this instability, suffering from the rise of Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgencies that have devastated communities, displaced millions, and drained military resources.

“No matter the political party we belong to, the country is in turmoil. The economy is in a bad shape; insecurity is very high; unemployment is unimaginable. The next one year must not be like the last one year. We must make a difference.” – Olusola Adeyeye

The recurring theme across these statements is clear: while many factors, both local and global, have contributed to insecurity, the solution must be collective. Abubakar’s message of hope and collaboration is a reminder that only by addressing the underlying causes of poverty, unemployment, and institutional failure can Nigeria create a safer future for its citizens.

“Politics should always lead the gun and never the gun leading politics.”–    Robert Mugabe