Growing insecurity across several parts of Nigeria has intensified debate over the effectiveness of current security strategies, with political leaders, security officials and stakeholders offering sharply different assessments of the situation and how it should be addressed.
While some government officials point to gains from ongoing military operations and insist conditions are improving, others argue that persistent attacks, rising casualties and repeated breaches in vulnerable communities expose structural weaknesses in intelligence, coordination and response.
Recent incidents in Benue State , Borno State and Adamawa State have amplified concerns, prompting calls for urgent reforms and clearer accountability as pressure mounts for a more decisive and coordinated national response.
Tensions escalated at the National Assembly as the Senate demanded the immediate rescue of 416 citizens reportedly held by Boko Haram and ordered an investigation into recent attacks on military formations in Borno.
Lawmakers warned that renewed violence in the North-East signals a resurgence of insurgency capable of reversing years of military gains. The chamber observed a minute of silence for 17 officers, including Brig.-Gen. Oseni Braimoh, killed during a March 3 assault on military bases in Monguno and Benisheikh. The attack also killed Col. Mohammed Isya, Capt. A.M. Esmat, Lt. Kelvin Festus and other soldiers.
Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno said the coordinated assaults reflect a deliberate attempt to weaken military operations and disrupt key routes, including the Damaturu–Maiduguri corridor.
“This is not random. It is deliberate and strategic,” Monguno said.
Ali Ndume disclosed that insurgents issued a 72-hour ultimatum demanding a ransom of 5 billion naira for the abducted victims, triggering concern among lawmakers.
Sen. Abdul Ningi said, “We must take extraordinary measures. This is no longer business as usual.”
He urged the suspension of political activities in eight states affected by insecurity, including Borno, Plateau, Bauchi, Benue, Niger, Sokoto and Kebbi, as well as parts of Kano.
“We cannot continue to think because we are in Abuja and therefore this does not affect us. It has affected us,” Ningi said.
He also mourned military officers killed in recent attacks, stressing the need for stronger action.
“I think we are not doing enough, and we must do sufficiently enough to tell Nigeria we are the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
Other senators, including Diket Plang, warned that persistent attacks threaten national security, food systems and resettlement efforts.
The Senate directed the Armed Forces to review operational strategies, audit equipment and strengthen intelligence. It also urged the National Emergency Management Agency and the North East Development Commission to scale up humanitarian support.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin said the federal government is increasing support for military operations, while lawmakers stressed that rescuing the captives remains a national emergency.
Amid renewed killings in Benue, a senator warned that Nigeria’s security strategy remains trapped in a “predictable cycle of failure,” marked by recurring attacks on rural communities and short-term responses.
Reacting to the latest violence in Benue South Senatorial District, the lawmaker said persistent attacks despite military operations reflect deeper structural weaknesses in intelligence coordination, operational planning and political resolve.
“What we are seeing is not new. It is the same pattern — killings, silence, deployment, and then more killings,” he said.
He cited an April 12 attack in Edikwu Ankpali, Apa Local Government Area, where at least nine people were killed, noting the community experienced similar violence a year earlier. He questioned why high-risk areas continue to face assaults despite the presence of security formations, including Operation Whirl Stroke.
“If security forces are already deployed there, why are attacks still happening?” he asked.
The senator criticized a reactive security model driven by post-attack interventions, warning it emboldens armed groups and erodes public confidence. He also raised concerns over poor logistics, alleged leniency toward suspects and political delays, urging a decisive, intelligence-driven approach.
Gani Adams, the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland and national leader of the Oodua People’s Congress, criticized President Bola Tinubu’s security approach, calling for a nationwide rollout of surveillance infrastructure.
Speaking at the Oke-Ibadan Festival in Ibadan, Adams said installing CCTV cameras only in Jos would not address broader security challenges.
“CCTV ought to be installed across the entire country,” he said, adding that effective surveillance depends on stable electricity.
He noted Nigeria’s power generation remains far below countries like South Africa and Egypt, stressing the need for decentralization of electricity generation to support security and economic growth.
The Peoples Redemption Party also raised concerns over worsening insecurity, with its National Chairman Hakeem Baba-Ahmed accusing the federal government of failing to prioritize security despite rising casualties.
He said the party has identified strategies to address root causes of violence nationwide, including leadership reforms, improved resource deployment and stronger accountability.
“It is not acceptable that so many of our people are dying,” Baba-Ahmed said, alleging inadequate funding of the defense sector.
However, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume said Nigeria’s security situation is improving, with Boko Haram significantly weakened by sustained military operations.
He said a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies has reduced attacks to isolated incidents and that ongoing efforts will restore lasting peace.
Despite those assurances, suspected Boko Haram fighters killed 20 residents in coordinated attacks on border communities in Borno and Adamawa.
Local officials said 11 people were killed in Pubagu, Borno, and nine in Mayo-Ladde, Adamawa, after insurgents overpowered local security operatives.
Residents said the attackers arrived on motorcycles, operated for hours and burned homes while looting food and property.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation Hadin Kai killed 30 fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province during coordinated land and air operations on Kaniram Island in Lake Chad.
Military officials said the offensive destroyed several terrorist boats and logistics hubs, disrupting movement across key waterways and weakening the group’s operational capacity.
They added that sustained pressure would prevent regrouping and maintain control of affected areas.
