Nigeria’s Security Crisis Deepens Amid Tinubu’s Plateau Peace Push.

November 30, 2025
obehiaye
Nigeria, Trending News, West Africa
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Nigeria’s Security Crisis Deepens Amid Tinubu’s Plateau Peace Push

In a nation wrestling with relentless insecurity from all sides, Nigeria’s government, under President Bola Tinubu, is stepping up efforts to calm some of its most volatile areas. A major push is underway to end violence in Plateau State. But here’s the rub: this peace drive is happening even as terror attacks and banditry are getting worse in other states. It just shows how complicated Nigeria’s security situation really is, especially with the 2027 general elections drawing closer. What does this mean for everyday Nigerians trying to live their lives?

Plateau’s Hope: A National Priority and Community Engagement

Years of brutal conflicts, marked by countless killings, widespread displacement, and shattered communities, have truly tested the people in Nigeria’s north-central region. Yet, hope flickers in Plateau State. Senate President Godswill Akpabio, speaking for President Tinubu at a massive rally in Jos, declared the government’s firm stance: stopping the violence in Plateau is now a core national priority, a sentiment echoed by Arise News. This event wasn’t just about making peace promises; it also saw key politicians cross over to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), underscoring that peace is vital for anyone wanting to govern in Plateau. Akpabio acknowledged the deep emotional toll this violence has taken on both leaders and citizens, promising the administration’s dedication to stability won’t waver. The APC’s growing strength in the state, boosted by these defections, might just reshape the political landscape, uniting everyone under a common goal: restoring peace. Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, the APC national chairman, sees this political shift as the party solidifying its hold on Plateau, aiming for a clean sweep in the upcoming elections. President Tinubu isn’t just talking peace; he’s taking action. He sent Dr. Abiodun Essiet, a senior special assistant, to encourage community discussions and foster harmony. Dr. Essiet’s approach prioritizes direct dialogue, bringing together Christian clerics, Fulani pastoralists, traditional rulers, women, and youth leaders. These conversations eventually led to a town hall meeting aimed at building grassroots peace structures. One success story? A local reconciliation that involved compensation between a farmer and herders, proving that peaceful coexistence isn’t just a dream, it’s achievable. Meanwhile, intelligence agencies are actively working to disrupt the violence. The Department of State Services (DSS) recently arrested Musa Abubakar, an arms dealer allegedly supplying terror groups and armed gangs in Plateau and nearby states, a significant development reported by Arise News. This followed the re-apprehension of Abdulazeez Obadaki, a notorious escapee involved in previous attacks. DSS raids on illicit arms workshops show a clear strategy: cut off the supply lines fueling this conflict in the north-central region. While these operations sometimes face setbacks and casualties, they’re crucial in the federal government’s mission to stop the flow of illegal weapons devastating these communities. Nine more suspects linked to earlier attacks are now in custody, highlighting the heightened security efforts.

Kogi’s Plight: Escalating Attacks and Broader Security Concerns

While Plateau sees glimmerings of peace, other parts of Nigeria aren’t so lucky. Kogi State, for example, is experiencing a sharp rise in terror attacks, reminding everyone of the constant threat to national security. Imagine being on the Isanlu Makutu-Idofin highway in Yagba East Local Government Area when terrorists launch a sudden, brutal attack on travelers and residents. That’s exactly what happened, sparking widespread fear through the area, as Sahara Reporters detailed. Reports paint a grim picture: around 100 armed individuals simultaneously targeted multiple vehicles, effectively laying siege to commuters on this vital road. Passengers had to flee for their lives under gunfire. Even with a swift response from security agencies, the attack tragically claimed lives, including a soldier and a local vigilante. This incident reveals just how sophisticated and coordinated these terror and banditry networks have become. It makes safe travel on Nigeria’s roads incredibly difficult and screams for better intelligence and faster deployment by our security agencies. The problem doesn’t stop in Kogi. Similar kidnappings and attacks are popping up in states like Kwara and Anambra, with both traditional rulers and ordinary citizens falling victim. This ongoing insecurity makes people wonder: can the government really protect us? Former President Olusegun Obasanjo didn’t mince words, stating his belief that the current administration hasn’t fulfilled its protective duties and suggesting international help might be needed if Nigeria can’t handle it alone, a strong critique reported by Sahara Reporters. This isn’t just a domestic issue; senior officials and security experts are calling for regional cooperation. Leaders like Bashir Dalhatu are urging ECOWAS to consider joint military operations against the insurgency and banditry that cross state lines, as highlighted by Arise News. This points to a broader West Africa challenge.

Political Shifts and the Path Ahead for Nigeria

Amid these security challenges, the mass political defections to the APC in Plateau State signal a strategic move. People are seeking stability under President Tinubu’s leadership. This political consolidation could mean two things: strengthening governance under a party committed to peace initiatives and also setting the stage for the 2027 electoral battlefield. What will these shifts mean for the average Nigerian voter? The federal government’s support for local peace structures and the appointment of trusted figures like Dr. Essiet show a dedication to inclusive, community-driven ways to solve conflicts. These efforts involve traditional, religious, and youth leaders, a model that could, perhaps, be replicated in other troubled regions. As Nigeria navigates this tumultuous period, the sharp contrast between Plateau’s peace efforts and the brutal events in Kogi and neighboring states really highlights the immense scale of the security challenge. The government’s blended approach, mixing diplomacy, political unity, and targeted security operations, looks promising. But it’ll need to contend with the deeply rooted and sophisticated nature of insurgency and banditry. Could Plateau’s success become a blueprint for other areas? Only if it’s sustained with strong security and continued community involvement. Yet, the increasing frequency and coordination of attacks are a stark warning. We urgently need better intelligence, more regional teamwork, and maybe even new laws, like empowering state police. As 2027 approaches, the link between security and politics will undoubtedly become even more pronounced. How well the government delivers real peace and security will play a huge role in shaping Nigeria’s democratic future and national unity.

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