Security experts and veterans have raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s worsening insecurity as the country approaches the 2027 general elections, warning of a complex and expanding threat landscape.
A State Commander of the Nigeria Forests Guard, Larry Igwe described Nigeria’s security challenge as “networked,” with criminal elements moving across regions, contributing to the spread from the North-East into the Middle-Belt and South-East. He attributed the crisis to poverty, unemployment, governance gaps, and weak logistics.
While Chairman of the Nigeria Legion in Ebonyi state, Retired Corporal Okechukwu Ijeagwu, described 2026 as witnessing an alarming surge in violence, noting that insurgency, once largely associated with the North-East, has expanded geographically. “Before, it was limited to the North-East, but today it has spread to other states like Katsina, Zamfara, and even parts of the Middle-Belt”, he said.
Both stakeholders differ on the scale of killings—Igwe noting variations and slight improvements in some regions, while Ijeagwu claimed violence has risen sharply, citing widespread attacks in states like Benue, Zamfara, Katsina, and Ebonyi.
They agreed, however, that insecurity is spreading beyond traditional hotspots, with criminal networks moving across regions and insurgency expanding from the North-East into the Middle-Belt and South-East regions.
On root causes, Igwe highlighted socio-economic pressures and ethnic divisions, while Ijeagwu stressed poor education, ideological manipulation, and porous borders that allow unchecked movement of armed elements.
Both also pointed to inadequate logistics and poor welfare for security personnel as major setbacks, warning that low morale and insufficient equipment are weakening response efforts.
Concerns were raised over the potential impact on the 2027 elections. While Igwe expressed cautious optimism, Ijeagwu warned that insecurity could disrupt voting and be exploited for political advantage, especially in displaced communities.
The experts called for stronger community-based security systems and greater involvement of local outfits and retired personnel, alongside improved support for veterans.
With continued attacks reported across several states, analysts say Nigeria faces a critical moment where insecurity, economic strain, and political tensions intersect—raising urgent questions about stability ahead of 2027.
