Full Breakdown
Escalating Insecurity in Nigeria: A Call for Urgent Action
12/19/2025, 1:32:41 PM
Context of Rising Violence
In December 2025, Nigeria has witnessed a surge in violence, particularly in northern regions, prompting widespread concern among citizens and religious organizations. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed alarm over recent attacks on worshippers, including a deadly assault on the First ECWA Evangelical Church in Kogi State on December 14, where one person was killed and approximately 30 abducted. This incident is part of a broader pattern of violence, including the abduction of over 300 students from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State in late November, with many still in captivity. These events have created an atmosphere of fear, particularly during the Christmas season, traditionally marked by communal worship and family gatherings.
Official Responses and Calls for Action
In response to the escalating violence, CAN has urged President Bola Tinubu and northern state governors to take immediate and effective measures to ensure public safety. The association emphasized the need for intelligence-driven security operations and adequate personnel deployment to vulnerable areas, including highways and places of worship. CAN's leadership articulated that the ongoing insecurity represents a significant erosion of basic freedoms, including the rights to movement and worship.
The Nigerian government has acknowledged the challenges posed by insecurity, with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) stating that it is arming trained vigilantes to assist conventional security forces. This hybrid approach aims to enhance counter-terrorism efforts, particularly in difficult terrains. However, critics argue that these measures have not sufficiently addressed the root causes of insecurity, which include poverty, unemployment, and corruption.
The Nigeria Labour Congress Protests
On December 17, 2025, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) organized a nationwide protest to demand urgent government action against the rising tide of insecurity. The protest, described as a "National Day of Protest and Mourning," aimed to highlight the impact of violence on workers and citizens. Despite a meeting with President Tinubu aimed at averting the protest, NLC leaders proceeded with their plans, citing ongoing insecurity and the government's failure to protect citizens.
During the protests, participants voiced their frustrations, calling for accountability and harsher penalties for perpetrators of violence. The NLC emphasized that insecurity has severely disrupted educational and economic activities, leaving many communities in distress.
Proposed Solutions and Future Directions
In light of the ongoing crisis, the Sujimoto Group has proposed a comprehensive N20 trillion initiative aimed at fortifying Nigeria's borders and promoting agro-development. This plan envisions constructing modern barriers and surveillance systems along Nigeria's porous borders, coupled with large-scale agricultural projects to address the economic drivers of insecurity. Sujimoto argues that security should be viewed as an investment in national stability rather than merely a cost.
The Senate has also recommended establishing a dedicated fund to tackle the root causes of insecurity, including unemployment and poverty, and has called for the creation of state police to enhance local security efforts. These proposals reflect a growing recognition that addressing insecurity in Nigeria requires a multifaceted approach that integrates security measures with economic development.
Conclusion
As Nigeria grapples with escalating insecurity, the collective voices of religious organizations, labor unions, and civil society are calling for urgent and decisive action from the government. The ongoing violence not only threatens lives but also undermines the social fabric of the nation. A comprehensive strategy that combines security with development is essential to restore safety and stability in Nigeria.
