The Crisis of Governance and Security in Nigeria
In Nigeria, entering the country legally is not just a matter of presenting a passport. It involves proving that you are not an enemy of the government. This process often begins with the Department of State Services (DSS), the nation’s secret police force, which scrutinizes your documents. If you find yourself on their mysterious list, or if someone simply wants to test your humility, you may never even reach the immigration officer to have your passport stamped. Instead, you are taken away, leaving behind any hope of a smooth entry.
This situation highlights one of the greatest failures of the Nigerian state: despite being in the digital age, the government continues to deploy thousands of DSS agents daily, acting as witch hunters rather than protectors. Their focus is not on combating real threats to national security but on targeting individuals who rarely make the mistake of walking through the front door.
At the same time, these same DSS agents seem absent when it comes to addressing more pressing issues. They do not appear to be on the lookout for enemies of Nigerian citizens—those who seize villages, collect taxes without authorization, kidnap children, or assault women. These are the real threats that plague the nation, yet they remain largely unaddressed by the government.
Escalating Violence and Insecurity
Recent events have underscored the severity of the crisis. Last week, in Maga, Kebbi State, kidnappers took 25 girls from a government secondary school. The following day, in Eruku, Kwara State, gunmen attacked a church, killing at least five people and taking the pastor hostage. On Friday, in Papiri, Niger State, St. Mary’s School was raided in the early morning, with reports suggesting over 100 students and staff were taken. Despite these alarming incidents, the DSS remained at airports and border stations, seemingly preoccupied with its own tasks.
The situation worsened when men allegedly linked to ISWAP ambushed and killed Brigadier-General Musa Uba of the Nigerian Army on Nigerian soil. This attack marked one of the most significant blows to the military in recent years, raising serious questions about the government’s ability to protect its citizens and its own personnel.
A Reflection on Nigeria’s Past and Present
To understand the current crisis, it is important to look back at Nigeria’s history. In 1994, I had the opportunity to serve in the United Nations Mission in Somalia (UNOSOM II). There, I witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by international peacekeeping efforts. The Nigerian military contingent stationed nearby stood out—not because of their resources, but because of their discipline and effectiveness. Despite being among the poorest contingents, often borrowing boots from Ghanaian and Kenyan colleagues, they managed to establish a reputation for being the most successful in the mission.
This experience left me with a deep respect for the Nigerian soldier, who continues to perform his duties despite the lack of support from the government. It also raised difficult questions about what happens at home, where oversight is far less stringent. The contrast between the professionalism of Nigerian soldiers abroad and the neglect they face at home is stark.
The Consequences of Neglect
Since 2007, Nigeria has struggled with persistent insecurity. Schools have been targeted, villages burned, and local government areas overrun. Women have been raped, and militants have imposed their own governance while collecting taxes. The government in Abuja has often responded with denial or downplaying these incidents, failing to address the root causes of the violence.
The recent murder of Brigadier-General Uba marks a turning point. For the first time, a high-ranking military commander has been seized and killed by militants, signaling a shift in power dynamics. This event has exposed the fragility of the current system and the inability of the government to provide even basic security.
The Path Forward
So, how can a Nigerian know for sure that the country has begun to recover? The answer lies in genuine democracy and accountability. Nigeria must move beyond the illusion of governance and embrace transparency, integrity, and effective leadership. The current administration, led by President Bola Tinubu, has taken steps to address the crisis, such as sending the Minister of State for Defence to Kwara to monitor security efforts. However, these actions often reflect a preference for blunt instruments rather than precision.
For Nigeria to become a respected democracy, it must first be a genuine one. This requires clear standards of accountability, strong institutions, and a commitment to the rule of law. Until then, the nation will continue to struggle with the same cycles of violence and corruption that have defined its recent history.
