By Eteteonline
Nigeria’s security crisis began when Boko Haram took up arms against the government in July 2009 after its leader, Mohammed Yusuf, was killed while in police custody. Nigeria has since struggled with terrorism and insurgency. Other violent and illegal activities, like banditry, farmer-herder conflict, kidnapping for ransom, and separatism, developed over time.
From President Musa Yar’Adua to Bola Tinubu, several administrations have attempted, but failed, to put an end to terrorism and insurgency. In recent years, the number of violent groups operating in Nigeria has increased, and they now operate throughout the entire nation.
President Tinubu has vowed time and time again to combat terrorists and put an end to insecurity since taking office in 2023. However, the terrorists still kill civilians and attack new targets. New armed organizations like the Lakurawa are arising to carry on the chaos while the military attempts to eradicate them.
The crisis still persists despite government attempts because of challenges like open borders, the spread of tiny guns, and underlying socioeconomic issues. Nigeria is still dealing with a complex security issue in 2026.
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to taking firm steps to combat national insecurity. Speaking at the second National Economic Council (NEC) conference, he made his remarks on Monday, February 9, 2026.
According to President Tinubu, insecurity still has an impact on Nigerians and impedes economic development.
“I believe we are here again to further find means to strengthen our security forces, to defeat terrorism and combat banditry,” Tinubu said.
“That, I promise you, is what affects all of us, sleepless nights. But I assure you that we will win with determination and resilience.”
According to Tinubu, banditry and terrorism are foreign to Nigerian culture and need to be eradicated. The president issued a warning that economic growth will continue to be impeded if insecurity was not addressed immediately.
Tinubu praised the governors of Borno and Kaduna, among other states, for their efforts to combat insecurity. He declared that while preserving lives and property, the federal government would keep collaborating with states to bring about peace.
According to the president, attaining inclusive growth and the goals of the Renewed Hope national development plan depend heavily on bolstering security.
What, however, will the President do differently to get the intended outcome? Nigeria and the United States (US) have formed a security partnership, which is one important step.
The US military has confirmed deployment of a “small team” to Nigeria to combat terrorism, specifically targeting Boko Haram. The US also plans to deploy new 200 troops to Nigeria to train the country’s military amid the ongoing fight against terrorism.
As part of the security collaboration, the Trump administration has formally asked for permission to set up a drone refueling station in Nigeria. The United States can use unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, to permanently destroy terrorists.
To aid in the fight against insecurity, Nigeria and Turkey have also inked a historic security agreement.
It is hoped that with the support of the US and the cooperation of Turkey, the Nigerian armed forces will be able to defeat terrorism.
In addition to the use of force, the government should address socio-economic factors driving insecurity, such as acute poverty, high unemployment, youth illiteracy, economic desperation, and systemic corruption.
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