Two years on: Evaluating President Tinubu's security strategy in Nigeria

July 30, 2025

Nigeria continues to face significant security challenges despite efforts by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration to combat them. According to the 2024 Global Peace Index, Nigeria ranks 147th out of 163 nations globally, reflecting persistent violence and instability that undermine national development. While the government has reported some success in neutralizing criminals, recovering weapons, and improving security in previously terrorized regions, Nigeria still ranks high in global crime and terrorism indices.

Who is affected

Citizens in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Kano, Niger, and Kaduna states affected by Boko Haram insurgency
Internally displaced persons, who increased from 1,087,875 in October 2022 to 1,302,443 in March 2024 in the Northcentral and Northwest regions
Communities experiencing farmer-herder conflicts, particularly in Benue State
Children whose education is disrupted by conflict
Residents of communities under attack, including those in Marte Local Government Area
Citizens affected by government restrictions, such as the ban on dreadlocks in Niger state
Potential investors deterred by the unstable security environment

What action is being taken

The federal government is procuring military equipment including over 25 helicopters and aircraft, along with more than four naval vessels
Security forces are conducting operations that have neutralized 543 violent criminals and arrested 17,469 individuals
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum is personally coordinating relief and security efforts in crisis zones
The government is implementing the "Kaduna Model" of peacebuilding, which has led to the surrender of 35 warlords
Security agencies are recovering weapons and ammunition (11,118 weapons and 252,596 rounds recovered)
The administration is using a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to combat insecurity

Why it matters

National security is fundamentally linked to national development and economic stability
Insecurity discourages foreign and domestic investment, causing economic instability
The displacement of people reduces the productive potential of affected communities
The security situation threatens human rights and leads to the emigration of skilled human capital
Rising crime rates (Nigeria's crime score increased from 7.15 in 2021 to 7.28 in 2023) undermine peace
Terrorism-related deaths are increasing, with Nigeria experiencing its first rise in violent attacks in three years
Citizens live in constant fear with restricted lifestyles due to security concerns

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Global Voices