Bandits Are Winning While Leaders Watch

It is very sad and scary that bandits and terrorists are winning against Nigeria while our leaders and security forces seem helpless. Clearly, there is no Sheriff around. A serious event this week was the armed attack on security personnel at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru (NIPSS). On Monday night, there was a gun battle between bandits and the security staff at the institute. NIPSS is Nigeria’s top policy school. Important government officials, including those in the military and police, go there for training. The attack showed that the bandits can do what they want without fear.

Another shocking event was the kidnap and killing of General Rabe Abubakar (rtd). He was buried in Katsina this week. The retired General was taken by bandits along the Marabar Musawa-Kafinsoli road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State on May 30. This was painful because the bandits released videos showing him and his wife in distress, sending a clear message that they were in control and the Nigerian State could not help. He served the country, but when he needed help, the country failed him. This is another shameful loss for Nigerians as we have seen many senior officers fall to this violence. In response to public anger, the military made efforts to rescue his wife. But it raises the question: why did they not act sooner to save him? It was upsetting to read the statement from the Defence Headquarters calling General Rabe a dedicated officer who greatly contributed to fighting insurgency in the country. They said his commitment to Nigeria would inspire others in the Armed Forces. For these reasons, they should have saved him.

The main issue is that insecurity keeps growing all over Nigeria. The truth is that bandits and terrorists have become so strong that they are overpowering our security forces. This challenge exists because we have a ruling class focused more on stealing from Nigeria than on increasing resources to fight the bandits. A small part of the money being used to disrupt opposition forces could have helped strengthen our armed forces and provide better equipment to defeat the bandits. The insurgents are not stronger than Nigeria; the problem is that the State is not investing enough to win this fight. Our leaders lack the wisdom to protect the resources they benefit from. In the past three years, a lot of public funds have been used to persuade opposition politicians to leave their parties and join the ruling party. The Government is focused on helping President Tinubu secure a second term instead of ensuring safety for Nigerians. This is our main problem.

If President Tinubu had kept his promise on inauguration day to prioritize security for Nigerians, we would not be in this situation. Because there is no Sheriff in town, bandits and terrorists feel free to kill and target Nigerians as they wish. This trend must change.