Nigeria’s growing insecurity crisis: A threat we can no longer ignore, by Francisca Unutame Oghenro

Insecurity is one of the biggest challenges facing Nigeria today. It has become a national problem that affects every citizen, regardless of age, gender, religion, or social class.

From armed robbery and banditry to the increasing rate of kidnapping, insecurity has created fear and uncertainty across the country.

Many people believe that unemployment is one of the major causes of insecurity. While this may be true to some extent, I also believe that not every unemployed person turns to crime. Today, there are opportunities for skill acquisition and entrepreneurship.

As our elders often say, “A child who is determined to be spoiled will be spoiled.” This suggests that some individuals deliberately choose criminal activities despite having other options available.

One recent incident that highlights the seriousness of insecurity in Nigeria is the kidnapping of students and teachers in Oyo State on May 15, 2026, in Oriire Local Government Area. Sadly, reports indicate that one of the teachers has been killed.

This tragic incident raises an important question: What exactly is the government doing to protect citizens? Many Nigerians have seen videos released by bandits, making it easier to identify them.

Yet, these criminals continue to operate freely. This situation reminds me of the Chibok girls’ abduction of April 14, 2014. Years later, many families are still searching for answers about their daughters. The pain, uncertainty, and trauma experienced by these families cannot be overstated.

What makes the situation even more disturbing is that schools, which should be safe environments for learning, have become targets for criminals. Students now attend classes with fear, while parents worry every day about the safety of their children.

Education should be a pathway to a better future, not a journey filled with danger and uncertainty. I also find it troubling that many graduates struggle to find employment after years of studying.

In Nigeria today, it is common to find someone who studied Engineering working in a bank or in an unrelated field. While there is nothing wrong with honest work, this situation reflects the broader economic challenges facing the country.

Personally, I believe there is more to the insecurity problem than meets the eye. Many kidnappers demand millions of naira from struggling families rather than targeting wealthy individuals.

This raises questions about who benefits from these criminal activities and whether some powerful individuals are involved in sponsoring or protecting these groups.

While there may not be concrete evidence to support these claims, the persistence of these crimes has led many citizens to question the effectiveness of the government’s response. It is important to note that insecurity did not begin with the present administration. Previous governments also faced similar challenges and attempted to address them.

However, many Nigerians feel that the problem has worsened in recent years, affecting nearly every aspect ofnational life. The economic consequences of insecurity are severe. Farmers in rural communities are often unable to access their farmlands due to fear of attacks and kidnappings.

This reduces agricultural production, contributes to food shortages, and drives up food prices. Businesses also suffer because investors are reluctant to operate in unsafe environments.

Furthermore, insecurity has disrupted education and human capital development. Schools have been forced to close in some areas due to threats of attacks and abductions.

As a result, many parents are increasingly afraid to send their children to school, further limiting access to education. In my view, the government has not done enough to protect the lives and property of Nigerians.

As insecurity continues to spread, many citizens are gradually losing confidence in the ability of the government to guarantee their safety. Today, living in fear has become a reality for many Nigerians.

Travelling across the country is risky, and even dropping children off at school has become a source of anxiety.

While I continue to hope that the government will take stronger action against insecurity, I also encourage citizens to remain vigilant, stay aware of their surroundings, and support efforts aimed at promoting peace and security.

Nigeria cannot achieve meaningful development if insecurity continues to threaten the lives, dreams, and future of its people.

The time for decisive action is now. Francisca Unutame is a 200 level journalism and media studies student of Delta State University, Abraka

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