Amidst Mounting Crises, Where Do Priorities Truly Lie?
Nigeria finds itself grappling with a multifaceted security crisis, a challenge compounded by revelations of internal betrayal within security forces and highly questionable government spending priorities. Recent events paint a grim picture of the disconnect between the harsh realities faced by citizens and the actions of some in power, raising urgent questions about accountability and governance.
Perhaps most alarmingly, troops from Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have reportedly arrested 18 serving soldiers and 15 police officers for allegedly engaging in the illegal sale of arms to terrorists and other criminal groups across the country. This was part of an exercise dubbed “Operation Snowball,” launched to target ammunition racketeering within and beyond the theatre of operations. The scale of the alleged network is significant, with the operation spanning 11 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Among those apprehended were eight civilians and a traditional ruler.
Specific cases highlight the depth of the issue: one armorer with the 7th Division Garrison, Ameh Raphael, allegedly involved since 2018, reportedly amassed N45 million from military-grade weapons sales. Another suspect, Seidi Adamu, with the 3rd Division Ordnance Services, reportedly had N34 million in his account linked to arms dealings. Financial records also show a police inspector, Enoch Ngwa, had N135 million pass through his account, reinforcing suspicions of deep involvement in the illicit network. Military authorities have vowed that all complicit individuals will be prosecuted. This internal corruption within the security apparatus represents a grave threat, potentially arming the very groups the military is tasked with fighting.
The human toll of the ongoing insecurity is immense. A report by Amnesty International Nigeria detailed the killing of more than 10,000 people and the destruction of hundreds of communities in Nigeria since President Bola Tinubu assumed office two years ago. The report, titled “Mounting Death Toll and Looming Humanitarian Crisis Amid Unchecked Attacks by Armed Groups”, documented at least 10,217 deaths in seven states between May 29, 2023, and the report’s release date, with Benue state recording the highest number of fatalities at 6,896. Amnesty noted that security measures implemented appear “simply not working”, with new armed groups emerging and hundreds of villages sacked.
In a notable development, the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) formally expressed concerns about Amnesty’s report, describing it as “overly alarming” and not reflective of the security realities. The NCTC warned that the report’s narrative could misinform the public, damage the country’s international image, and inadvertently embolden criminal elements by exaggerating their impact. They found that many figures and claims did not align with verified data. The NCTC urged Amnesty to suspend publication pending a “thorough engagement” to address perceived gaps and potential misinformation and proposed a consultative meeting. This interaction underscores the tension between civil society documentation of human rights issues and the government’s preferred narrative on the security situation.
Amidst these security challenges and reports of widespread suffering, questions are being raised about government spending priorities. In Ondo State, the government approved N8.168 billion for the construction of 32 units of four-bedroom terrace residential buildings for cabinet members. This approval, coming up at the State Executive Council’s first meeting of 2025, has sparked public outcry. Critics question the expenditure, especially given that the governor has only appointed two commissioners so far and the state faces widespread infrastructural decay, unpaid wages, and a growing security crisis. Residents argue that the same amount could build over 200 units of affordable housing for teachers, nurses, and civil servants. Concerns are also raised about the lack of transparency regarding the state’s finances, including internally generated revenue, federal allocations, and state expenditure. Security in Ondo State is reportedly deteriorating, with security agencies complaining of inadequate funding, vehicles, and operational tools despite inflow of federal allocations and security votes. This spending decision is seen by some as a clear example of misplaced priorities when essential services and security are underfunded.
Across the globe, security and justice issues continue to be prominent. The UN honored peacekeepers on the International Day of UN Peacekeepers, recognizing their service and sacrifice in increasingly complex environments marked by polarization, terrorism, and transnational crime. Meanwhile, tragic incidents abroad impact Nigerian citizens, such as the death of a Nigerian man in Swiss police custody following a violent arrest, reigniting concerns about racial bias and excessive force in Switzerland.
While challenges persist, there are also moments of Nigerian achievement on the global stage, such as the Nigerian researcher at MIT who developed a prototype for the world’s smallest GPS tracker, a feat recognized by Guinness World Records.
However, the stark juxtaposition of internal security force corruption, a mounting death toll from armed groups, government attempts to manage the narrative around the crisis, and seemingly extravagant spending decisions amidst widespread needs presents a critical challenge. Addressing Nigeria’s deep-seated security and developmental crises demands not just military operations against external threats, but a fundamental re-evaluation of priorities, a commitment to transparency and accountability, and a focused effort to tackle corruption at all levels, including within the very institutions meant to protect citizens.
About Author
