At least 6,698 Nigerians have been killed in the first half of this year, according to alarming research conducted by Beacon Consulting, which also reported an increase in kidnappings, attacks by non-state armed individuals and groups and political violence, proving that insecurity is still a major concern in the country.
The security risk management and intelligence consulting company, in a report titled The Nigeria Security Situation, said the number of fatalities had increased by 35.9% from January to June compared with the 4,927 killings recorded in the first half of 2021.
In the same timeframe there was a 24.3% increase in kidnappings, 3,357 people compared with 2,540; a 47.5% increase in violent attacks, 2,357 compared with 1,235.
Kabiru Adamu, the chief executive officer of Beacon Consulting, was reported saying that the attacks were largely perpetrated by “terrorists, bandits, ethnic militia, political thugs, among others”.
Non-state armed groups and individuals were successfully challenging the supremacy of the use of force by the state.
He said the effects of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the supply chain disruptions and hike in commodity prices, including an energy crisis it triggered, accentuated the structural deficiencies driving insecurity in Nigeria.
The UK government in its Nigeria travel advisory said: “There’s a high threat of terrorist and criminal kidnaps in Nigeria. Those engaged in tourism, humanitarian aid work, journalism or business are viewed as legitimate targets. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to serve as protection or secure your safe release.”
It said there was a high level of crime throughout Nigeria, including armed robbery, kidnapping for ransom, home invasions, carjacking and violent assault. Criminal activity was high in urban areas, including in Lagos, as well as on the northern border with Niger and Chad.
America warned its citizens not to travel to Borno, Yobe and Adamawa “due to terrorism and kidnapping”.
Its travel warning said violent crime – such as armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage taking, banditry and rape – was common throughout the country. Kidnappings for ransom occurred frequently, often targeting dual national citizens who had returned to Nigeria for a visit, as well as US citizens with perceived wealth. Kidnapping gangs had also stopped victims on interstate roads.
Nigerian citizens interviewed by RNI said they feared the increasing insecurity in the country.
Sara James, a civil servant worker, said: “I have lost hope in the security system of the country. No one is safe anymore inside or outside our state [Borno]. Kidnappers and insurgents are everywhere. We live in fear.”
Adamu Bukar said: “I am angry at the government. It must change the way it rules the country. We cannot continue like this losing our dear ones to criminals who have stolen our peace.”
Last week on Thursday, July 28, President Muhammadu Buhari expressed his concern about the insecurity turmoil in the country at a National Security meeting.
Umar Sanda, a political analyst in Borno State told RNI reporter Aisha Jamal that it was not the first time the president had held these kinds of meetings. A series of similar summits had taken place without anything positive resulting. He described such summits as adding fuel to the insecurities happening in the country.
“To me, the meetings are done usually to gather, make briefings and other things but the public has not seen anything positive coming out of any of them. No one is convinced. You just have to look at the deteriorating state of Nigeria’s security, despite the number of security agencies it has.
“The Nigerian army is known for peacekeeping in other African countries but look at the insecurities happening on daily basis in Nigeria. Lives are lost here every day; the government has failed in its responsibility of securing the lives and properties of its citizens.”
Sanda advised the Nigerian government to do away with politics and focus on the social welfare of its citizens and address insecurity by finding ways that will result in a lasting solution.
AISHA SD JAMAL
