Tinubu Administration's Growing Dystopia and Nigeria's Security Crisis, Part 1

The current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appears to be steering Nigeria towards a renewed dystopian reality, particularly evident in its response to the escalating security challenges. Communities in North- Central Nigeria, such as those in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, are experiencing intensified atrocities and danger, met with a palpable indifference from the federal government.

Niger State, known as the "Power State" due to its strategic energy assets like the Kainji and Shiroro dams, has tragically transformed into a symbol of the Nigerian state's incapacitation in the face of widespread insecurity. This region, which has produced national leaders and crucial infrastructure, is now a focal point for the failure to protect its citizens.

The author cites a pledge from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in its "Renewed Hope: Action Plan for a Better Nigeria" manifesto, which promised to "permanently secure the safety, freedom and prosperity of all Nigerians" through a proactive and intelligence-driven security approach. However, the reality on the ground suggests a stark deviation from this commitment.

Shiroro Local Government Area, comparable in size to Imo State, has become a hotbed of insurgent activity. Reports indicate that insurgents, linked to Boko Haram, have established a presence near the Allawa Forest, effectively operating a parallel government. The area has witnessed a high number of attacks on security personnel and civilians.

A specific incident on the night of June 29-30, 2022, in Ajata-Aboki village saw over 300 terrorists attack an artisanal mine, abducting Chinese nationals and other workers. When soldiers from Erena responded, they were ambushed, resulting in the deaths of at least 30 soldiers and six civilian volunteers. Despite promises from the then-President Buhari to bring the perpetrators to justice, the situation has persisted and worsened under the current administration.

President Tinubu, during his presidential campaign, also vowed to tackle insecurity. His manifesto promised to "mobilise the totality of our national security, military and law enforcement assets to protect all Nigerians from danger and from the fear of danger." Yet, for the residents of Shiroro and other affected communities, the threat of violence continues to grow, overshadowed by the government's perceived lack of concern.

Recent attacks in April 2024 saw an army captain, six soldiers, and a volunteer hunter killed in Shiroro. Further incidents in September 2024 resulted in the deaths of two State Security Service (SSS) officers, and in November 2024, four Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officers were killed, with another abducted.

Shiroro has been described as a "slaughterhouse," where terrorists operate with impunity. Incidents reported include Boko Haram fighters killing ten people in Bassa in June 2024, the death of 13 farmers in August 2024, and approximately 15 people killed in Karibo community on Christmas Eve 2025. The most recent attacks on Lanta and Bagna on Easter Monday left at least 63 dead, predominantly SSS operatives, vigilantes, and hunters.

These events in Shiroro are not isolated but reflect a broader pattern of insecurity across northern Nigeria, including states like Benue, Borno, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Kwara, Plateau, and Zamfara. As communities are devastated and security forces suffer heavy losses, political actors are reportedly more focused on political defections and maneuvering rather than on citizen safety.

Despite the dire security situation, the government, under President Tinubu, seems more preoccupied with political activities. The Defence Minister, for example, was noted for his involvement in securing the ruling party's convention rather than prioritizing nationwide security. The administration's response to the escalating violence is increasingly characterized by propaganda and falsehoods.

An example cited is the army's claim to have rescued 31 worshippers abducted from churches in Kaduna State on Easter Sunday, a claim later refuted by community leaders. Similar instances of denial and reluctant admission of facts have occurred previously, with those highlighting these issues reportedly facing intimidation.

The author contends that the Tinubu administration's response has moved from "complicit indifference" to "criminal cynicism." The areas experiencing the worst insecurity are also critical voting blocs, leading to concerns that the focus is on securing electoral victories in 2027 through manufactured outcomes rather than genuine governance.

The article concludes that Shiroro serves as a microcosm of Nigeria's broader security crisis. While some might seek recommendations, the author posits that a government that perpetuates lies and dismisses mass atrocities requires no further advice to reverse its course. Instead, solidarity and acknowledgment are owed to the affected citizens and communities, marking this critique as a starting point for addressing the "renewed dystopia."