A Dangerous Game: Weaponizing Insecurity for Political Gain.
In the heart of Nigeria’s ongoing struggles with terrorism and banditry, a disturbing new threat has emerged—the weaponization of insecurity for political purposes. As a nation, we face a critical juncture where the fight for political power is dangerously intersecting with the battle for our very survival. The recent pronouncements by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) about revealing the names of terrorism financiers—timed suspiciously with growing political pressure on the ruling party—raises serious questions about our collective priorities and a glaring double standard in governance.
It is a bitter pill to swallow when we reflect on our recent past. A decade ago, Boko Haram, a group that has since caused unimaginable devastation, first took root in a state under the control of the then-ruling party. Those in charge were closely aligned with the federal government, yet no significant probes, no public hearings, and no audits were conducted to hold politicians accountable for any lapses in security. There were no public-facing investigations to question the roles of top politicians in the acts of terrorism that led to the destruction of lives, communities, and national security assets. The deafening silence then is now replaced by a chillingly loud threat to name and shame individuals, a threat that feels more like a political tool than a genuine step towards justice.
The lack of capacity to effectively quell banditry and terrorism from the start is perhaps the most damning indictment of successive governments. When terrorists can routinely outrun military facilities, carting away expensive vehicles, weapons, and equipment, it suggests a profound failure of the state to protect its own people. How do we explain the brazen display of cash and armouries on social media by these criminals, all without apparent consequence? This level of impunity isn’t just an oversight; it’s a symptom of a system that has allowed these threats to fester and grow, transforming our nation into a breeding ground for lawlessness. One must ask: Does the constitution tolerate or celebrate a lack of capacity by those in government to protect its citizens? Is this not an indirect nurturing of criminal enterprises against the very people they are sworn to protect?
The current political landscape demands a different approach. The desperation to maintain power should never lead to the manipulation of our national security apparatus. To threaten political opponents with revelations about terrorism financing at a time when the ruling party faces its own challenges is a dangerous game. It distracts from the core issue of bad governance and the widespread poverty that has eaten deep into the minds of our citizens.
We must reject this divisive tactic. The challenge of insecurity belongs to all of us, not just one political party. The path forward lies in a unity of purpose—a collective resolve to tackle our problems head-on, with political maturity and a commitment to transparency. Our leaders must rise above petty political rivalries and work together to address the root causes of our security crisis.
Let us be clear: the fight against terrorism and banditry must be sincere, non-partisan, and unyielding. It is time to end the weaponization of insecurity and begin the long, difficult work of building a nation where a citizen’s life is valued above all else, and where those in power are held truly accountable for their actions—or inaction.
Comrade, IG Wala
25/08/25
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