West Africa’s Double Threat: Unpacking Political Tensions and Escalating Insecurity
West Africa’s landscape feels increasingly unsettled, doesn’t it? A complex web of political drama and pressing security threats demands immediate attention and a united front. Take Guinea-Bissau, for instance, where a recent military takeover has shone a stark light on political maneuvering. Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan even called it a “ceremonial coup”, suggesting President Umaro Sissoco Embaló orchestrated the whole thing. He’s urged ECOWAS to hold back election results amidst this political unrest, hinting at deeper manipulation. Jonathan’s own evacuation, backed by Nigeria, the African Union, and ECOWAS, certainly underscores the delicate diplomatic tightrope nations walk here. Meanwhile, Nigeria faces its own battle, a persistent and worsening security crisis fueled by violent banditry and insurgency. Prominent political figure Bashir Dalhatu didn’t mince words, stating groups like Boko Haram and various bandit factions have “declared outright war” on the nation. He’s called for a coordinated ECOWAS military response, recognizing this isn’t just a local problem, but a transnational menace exploiting vulnerable borders and weak governance. The urgency for regional collaboration couldn’t be clearer.
At home, President Bola Tinubu’s government is tackling the issue head-on, declaring a nationwide security emergency. What does this mean for citizens? It includes deploying Department of State Services (DSS) forest guards and pushing for legal support for state police, aiming to strengthen law enforcement at local levels. Plus, Tinubu approved recruiting 30,000 new police officers and pulled police from VIP protection duties, refocusing on crucial public safety tasks. But policy isn’t enough, right? Experts and civil society groups agree. Security analyst Chibuzo Okereke warned that without real action, these announcements won’t deliver tangible results. It’s about turning political will into effective strategies on the ground. Security consultant Sumaila Yombe stressed the vital need to physically occupy and control the forested strongholds where bandits hide. He’s right; failing to do so will just keep the cycle of violence going. Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru also admitted that old intelligence methods just aren’t cutting it anymore against these evolving threats. Modern surveillance and integrated intelligence must be prioritized to preempt and dismantle terrorist networks effectively. The human cost is grim, with abduction crises haunting communities. Just recently, terrorists attacked Kwara state, kidnapping pregnant women, children, and others. Thankfully, security forces rescued 38 worshippers in a Kwara church attack, offering a glimmer of hope and prompting calls for heightened security in vulnerable areas. Tinubu also welcomed the rescue of 24 schoolgirls abducted in Kebbi state, showcasing successes, but reminding us of the constant risk to civilians.
Yet, this fight isn’t straightforward. Allegations of complicity or negligence among some government officials and governors complicate matters. Former Foreign Minister Bolaji Akinyemi sharply criticized officials for “openly entertaining” terrorists, arguing that governors who allow such acts should be held accountable. It highlights how deeply political, social, and governance issues are tangled in this struggle. On the international front, President Tinubu tapped former anti-corruption chief Nuhu Ribadu to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the US-Nigeria Security Working Group. This signals a deepening of bilateral security cooperation, building on earlier agreements from high-level meetings in Washington for joint security measures. It’s a clear recognition that fighting terrorism and banditry needs strong global partners. Regionally, South-West governors aren’t waiting; they’ve declared it’s time for state police, a regional security fund, and a digital intelligence network, pushing for localized, tech-driven solutions. Beyond security, Nigeria’s pushing for political reform on a global scale. Vice President Kashim Shettima recently brought Tinubu’s reform agenda to international forums, including the G20 and AU-EU summits. A major goal? Securing permanent, veto-power seats for Africa on the United Nations Security Council, which could significantly boost the continent’s global influence in peace and security decisions. Amidst all these moving parts, public figures keep calling for unity and expressing hope. Tinubu celebrating the Kebbi schoolgirls’ release shows determination and progress. Still, experts warn that lasting peace hinges on addressing the core issues: poverty, governance gaps, and political impunity. West Africa is at a crucial crossroads. This mix of political complexity, regional security efforts, and domestic reforms presents both huge challenges and real opportunities. For true peace and prosperity, governments must move past talk, build public trust in security forces, and strengthen collaborative frameworks, both regionally and beyond. What outcomes await the people of West Africa? They’re waiting not just for safety, but for renewed hope in good governance and development.
Sources:
- ‘No Real Coup Took Place’: Jonathan Accuses Embaló of Orchestrating Military Takeover In Guinea-Bissau, Arise News, 2025-11. Link
- Dalhatu: Boko Haram, Bandits Have Declared War On Nigeria, ECOWAS Should Embark On Joint Military Action, Arise News, 2025-11. Link
- Tinubu Declares Nationwide Security Emergency, Deploys DSS Forest Guards, Seeks Legal Backing For State Police, Arise News, 2025-11. Link
- Tinubu Orders Withdrawal Of Police From VIPs, Approves 30,000 New Recruits After Security Briefing, Arise News, 2025-11. Link
- Sumaila Yombe: Until We Physically Occupy The Forests, Nigeria Cannot Defeat Banditry, Arise News, 2025-11. Link
- Defence Minister Badaru Warns Traditional Intelligence Methods No Longer Adequate, Arise News, 2025-11. Link
- Security Forces Rescue 38 Worshippers Abducted in Kwara Church Attack, Arise News, 2025-11. Link
- Bolaji Akinyemi: Terrorists Are Openly Entertained By Government Officials, Governors Must Pay Penalty For Allowing Terrorists Operate, Arise News, 2025-11. Link
- Nigeria, US Agree On New Security Measures After High-Level Meetings in Washington, Arise News, 2025-11. Link
- South-West Governors Declare ‘Time Is Now’ For State Police, Launch Regional Security Fund, Digital Intelligence Network, Arise News, 2025-11. Link
- From G20 To AU–EU: Shettima Back In Abuja After Delivering Tinubu’s Reform Agenda, Arise News, 2025-11. Link
