Recent surge in violence across Nigeria has resulted in over 300 deaths within a month, with attacks by bandits and jihadist groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP spreading through Zamfara, Sokoto, Plateau, Borno, and Benue states. The escalating violence has caused widespread fear among communities. In response, the Senate urged President Bola Tinubu to fast-track the approval of the Nigerian Forest Security Service Establishment Bill 2025 and to instruct the NSA to establish Forest Guards nationwide. Notably, on Wednesday night, nine people were killed in an attack at Wereng Camp in Plateau State, where homes were burned and residents fled. Over two days in April, more than 100 civilians were killed in Zamfara during coordinated bandit attacks.
In April 2025, Nigeria experienced at least 88 deaths across multiple violent incidents. On April 2, 48 people died in inter-communal clashes, while on April 13, 40 were killed in an attack by suspected herders in Zike. Additionally, in Benue State, 56 people lost their lives to herder-related violence on April 18. Borno State saw intensified Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks, including a roadside bomb that killed eight passengers on April 12, another that killed 26 on April 28, and 15 civilians murdered near Chibok on April 30. Sokoto State continues to face banditry and kidnapping, with ongoing violence and military operations.
Retired military experts have attributed the surge in attacks to poor coordination among security agencies. They advocate for improved intelligence, community involvement, and socioeconomic measures as key strategies to address Nigeria’s escalating security challenges.
Brigadier General Idris Bello highlighted significant flaws in Nigeria’s military response to insurgent attacks. He criticized poor intelligence gathering and outdated tactics, such as reliance on isolated Forward Operating Bases, urging the development of new strategies and intensive retraining in counter-insurgency. Bello emphasized the need to recruit thousands of youths to expand the military to about one million personnel, which would enhance national security and reduce youth unemployment. He also called for a massive purchase of military ordnance and suggested that some insurgent support may come from external sources, including NGOs suspected of financing and supplying sophisticated weapons, as evidenced by captured insurgents with U.S. dollars. He recommended establishing a standing committee to monitor NGO activities.
Major Bone Efoziem pointed out weaknesses in Nigeria’s military coordination, stressing the importance of a unified command post involving all security agencies—Army, Air Force, Navy, DSS, Police, and Civil Defence. He argued that rapid communication and coordinated responses are crucial, especially during attacks, to ensure effective countermeasures and air support, even in friendly or attack-prone territories.
The current international diplomacy is perceived as ineffective in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, with concerns that insurgents are now using advanced drones—technology typically limited to certain countries—raising questions about external support or funding. The sophistication and coordination of recent attacks suggest that terrorists are well-organized, targeting both civilians and military installations. To counter this, experts recommend reinforcing border security with advanced military equipment such as naval guns and artillery, especially near vulnerable military bases, to respond effectively to coordinated attacks.
Major Bone Efoziem emphasizes that the Sahel region is a major conduit for arms and ammunition entering Nigeria, and strained diplomatic relations hinder effective control. He proposes establishing direct military-to-military communication with neighboring countries to improve border security and prevent the flow of weapons. Additionally, engaging with drone manufacturing companies through diplomatic channels could help trace and restrict the source of insurgent equipment.
A retired Army General advocates for granting states more control over policing, enabling localized, community-based security efforts that foster trust and faster response times. Addressing the root causes of banditry requires socio-economic interventions—such as cash transfers, investments in agriculture, infrastructure, education, and healthcare—to reduce poverty and disenfranchisement. Promoting dialogue between herders and farmers can help resolve longstanding conflicts, while strengthening border controls and improving governance and transparency in security agencies would enhance overall effectiveness.
Community engagement is vital; educating and involving local leaders and civil society in prevention efforts can mobilize communities against violence. Building partnerships across government, civil society, and local groups will support coordinated, community-led strategies to combat insecurity and promote peace in Nigeria.
A retired Brigadier-General stresses the need for a comprehensive approach to monitoring repentant Boko Haram fighters. He notes that while some fighters have been reintegrated, skepticism remains about their true intentions due to inadequate rehabilitation, trust issues, and lack of effective monitoring. Without proper reintegration strategies and ongoing oversight, former fighters may pose ongoing security risks. To effectively combat Boko Haram, the government must combine rehabilitation, reintegration, and monitoring with efforts to address root causes like poverty, unemployment, and lack of education, fostering a holistic strategy to reduce terrorism.
Another retired Major General emphasizes the importance of political will and a broader strategy in tackling terrorism. He advocates for identifying and dismantling the sponsors and logistical networks supporting Boko Haram, both domestically and internationally, through intelligence, diplomacy, and cooperation. The recent resurgence of attacks raises questions about the effectiveness of current security strategies, underscoring the need for thorough investigation into the causes. He calls for sustained government commitment, adequate resources for security agencies, and international partnership to share intelligence and best practices. A combination of military action, intelligence, diplomacy, and addressing socio-economic factors is essential to disrupting terrorist networks and ensuring national security.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) emphasized the urgent need to address Nigerian soldiers’ fatigue and demoralization in the fight against Boko Haram. Soldiers are overworked, under-equipped, and battling outdated weapons compared to insurgents’ sophisticated arsenals, which hampers their effectiveness and increases casualties. Improving morale requires providing modern equipment, adequate training, and recognition to boost performance and community trust.
Retired officers also highlighted the importance of intelligence gathering on insurgent logistics. They recommend using aerial reconnaissance, understanding local languages, and educating communities about supporting insurgents. Protecting cooperators, holding politicians accountable, and evacuating civilians before operations can reduce casualties and identify collaborators. Continuous intelligence sharing among military and police, along with targeted operations, can strengthen security efforts.
Furthermore, Col. Abdulraman urged learning from the successes of late Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, who effectively dismantled bandit networks by killing key leaders and securing the surrender of over 160,000 insurgents during his tenure. His strategic military engagement and community cooperation significantly improved Nigeria’s security. Adopting similar strategies could enhance current efforts to combat terrorism and banditry.
Security experts emphasize the need to cut off Boko Haram’s funding and improve intelligence efforts. Dr. Hashim Saludeen urges authorities to uncover terror financial networks and strengthen infrastructure around this task. Additionally, he calls for a re-strategization of multilateral operations in Lake Chad, focusing on joint efforts with neighboring countries and leveraging technology to counter insurgent use of digital tools. The current approach, relying heavily on mass surrenders, is now exploited as a diversion by Boko Haram.
RULAAC, a civil society organization, supports the view that poverty, unemployment, government neglect, and corruption fuel Boko Haram’s persistence. According to Executive Director Okechukwu Nwagunma, ongoing violence stems from socio-economic grievances and weak governance. Solutions include increasing military and police presence, community trust-building, investing in education and jobs, and regional intelligence cooperation.
Security consultant Mr. Dickson Osagie emphasizes that military action must be complemented by soft-power strategies. He advocates strengthening community policing, vigilante collaborations, and implementing large-scale skills and employment programs for vulnerable youth. Improving access to quality education, basic amenities, and border controls with advanced technology are crucial. Regional cooperation via bodies like MNJTF is vital to deny insurgents safe havens and dismantle their networks.
In response to rising insecurity, the Nigerian Senate has urged President Bola Tinubu to sign the Forest Security Service Bill into law. The bill, passed by the National Assembly, aims to establish Forest Guards to combat insecurity in rural and forested areas. Senators also called for immediate security interventions, condemning recent kidnappings and attacks in states like Kogi and Benue, and emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts against insurgents and armed bandits.