September 23, 2025 — Abuja
For over a decade, Nigeria has been battling violent extremist groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP, along with armed bandits that continue to terrorize rural communities. Despite billions spent on security, kidnappings, attacks on schools, and assaults on villages persist — raising uncomfortable questions about accountability, governance, and transparency within Nigeria’s political and military establishment.
Allegations and Public Perception
Many Nigerians have repeatedly expressed frustration, accusing elements within government of failing to act decisively — and in some cases, alleging complicity. Opposition figures, activists, and civil society groups often point to:
Delayed responses to terror attacks,
- Mysterious funding networks that remain untraced,
- Allegations of corruption within the defense sector,
- Soldiers on the ground often complaining of poor equipment despite huge budgets.
While official state institutions have denied direct involvement, the continued insecurity has eroded public trust and fueled suspicions that Nigeria’s leadership is not doing enough to dismantle terrorist networks.
The Human Cost
- Thousands of lives have been lost since 2009.
- Millions have been displaced, particularly across the northeast.
- Education has been disrupted by mass abductions of schoolchildren.
- Farmers are unable to work safely, worsening food insecurity across the nation.
- These realities have made terrorism not just a security crisis but also a humanitarian disaster.
Demands for Action
Civil society groups and international partners are calling for:
- Transparent investigations into alleged ties between state officials and terror groups.
- Accountability in defense spending to ensure resources reach soldiers on the ground.
- Reform of Nigeria’s security architecture to prioritize intelligence, prevention, and community safety.
- Protection of whistleblowers and journalists who investigate these matters.
Looking Ahead
Whether or not the Nigerian government is directly complicit, the perception of sponsorship or negligence is growing among citizens. For many Nigerians, the ultimate demand is simple: the government must prove through decisive action that it is part of the solution, not part of the problem.