Nigeria's Insecurity Worsens as Bandits Launch Over 50 Attacks in Seven Days

Despite a significant increase in security spending, Nigeria has witnessed a surge in insecurity, with at least 98 criminal incidents recorded across the country in just one week. According to data from the Open Treasury Portal, the Federal Government spent N57.78bn on security-related projects and operations in the first four months of 2026, representing a 127.97 per cent increase from the N25.35bn spent during the corresponding period of 2025. The expenditure covers defence equipment procurement, security infrastructure, military barracks, police facilities, and other security-related projects. However, the spending has not translated to improved security, as terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and armed criminals continue to wreak havoc across several states. A police security report revealed that the 98 incidents comprised 37 homicide cases, 27 banditry attacks, 24 kidnappings, eight armed robbery incidents, and two terrorism-related attacks. The incidents were reported in Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Kebbi, and other states, with mass abductions, attacks on rural communities, and kidnappings along major highways. Security analysts have expressed concern over the government's inability to tackle the crisis, with Lekan Jackson-Ojo describing the situation as the worst insecurity crisis in Nigeria's history. 'This is the highest level of insecurity in the military and political history of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,' he said. Jackson-Ojo also criticised the reintegration of repentant terrorists into society, stating that it is unheard of anywhere in the world. Another security analyst, Chidi Omeje, argued that the military remains overstretched despite increased government spending, and that military operations alone cannot solve Nigeria's security challenges. 'Unless we are able to deal with the root causes, we will keep going in circles. Most of the issues are born out of bad governance, wrong prioritisation, corruption, and pervasive poverty, which has made people see crime and criminality as an option for survival,' Omeje said. The latest figures suggest that while the Federal Government has significantly increased security spending compared to last year, insecurity remains widespread, with violent attacks continuing across the country and a large portion of budgeted security funds yet to be utilised.