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In spite of efforts to combat terrorism and banditry in Nigeria, these twin forces of evil have continued to torment Nigerians. The attacks, which have heightened in the New Year, used to be confined majorly to Northern Nigeria. But gradually, they are moving southwards. Most of these incidents are cross-border attacks from neighbouring countries.
The January 6, 2026 incident at the National Park Service office in Oloka Village, Oriire Local Government Area (LGA) of Oyo State, was suspected to be a cross-border attack. According to reports, the attack claimed the lives of five forest guards. Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, described it as a devastating loss.
On January 16, gunmen reportedly stormed Aqua Triton Company in Ogunmakin, near Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, in a commando style. They killed a police officer who tried to repel the attack and abducted a Chinese expatriate.
In another cross-border attack in Benue State, armed herders killed five farmers at Udeku Maav-Ya community in Mbakyol Council Ward, Turan district of Kwande LGA recently. Kwande is a vulnerable border local government. It shares an international boundary with Cameroon. The attack occurred when residents were harvesting yams and Bambara nuts. This brought farming and social activities to a halt. This could hamper food security not only in the area but also in the country.
Earlier this month, the police foiled an attempted kidnapping of children in the Kasuwan Magani area of Kaduna State. They rescued 76 children, both males and females, aged between seven and 20 years. There are conflicting reports about the kidnap of over 160 worshippers during a church service in Kajuru LGA of Kaduna State last Sunday. The Chairperson of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Kajuru, Enoch Kaura, reportedly confirmed the incident. But police authorities in the state denied it.
On January 3, some bandits attacked a crowded market in Kasuwan Daji, Borgu LGA of Niger State. Over 30 people were reported dead. Some persons were kidnapped. The bandits also burned homes and the local market and also looted shops for food. This attack happened near Papiri in Agwara LGA of Niger State, where terrorists abducted over 300 schoolchildren and 12 teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic School on November 21, 2025.
Late last year, terrorists killed two worshippers and abducted 38 others in a church in Kwara State. The victims later regained their freedom. There were similar attacks on Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Dank/Wasagu LGA of Kebbi State. The terrorists killed the Vice-Principal of the school and abducted 25 schoolgirls.
It is worthy to note that three key suspects involved in the Oyo National Park attack were said to have been arrested. The Special Adviser to the Oyo Governor on Security, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, said the suspects were undergoing further investigations. They should be dealt with in accordance with the law.
We commend the South-West states which have come together to fortify security along the border towns in their states. The police commands in these states have reportedly improved surveillance and border patrols. The South-West Security Network, Operation Amotekun, is said to have increased its activities to ensure security of lives and property. In addition, the Oyo State Government has reportedly purchased aircraft for aerial surveillance and recruited more Amotekun personnel and Forest Rangers.
The Nigerian military should give its full support to these efforts. Commendably, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu, had reaffirmed the army’s commitment to strengthen security operations in the country, especially in states like Niger where bandits have wreaked a lot of havoc. He promised to deploy more troops, improve use of technology and collaborate closely with traditional institutions and other stakeholders. Shaibu noted that there were plans to leverage on modern surveillance and operational technologies to enhance proactive security measures. He should fast-track the process.
Security is a collective responsibility. Hence, citizens of various communities in Nigeria should join hands with the government and security agencies to combat banditry in the country. They should always report any suspicious activity in their communities to security agencies.
Government should do its part by equipping security agencies and attending to their welfare and other needs. Those who put their lives on the line to defend others deserve the best treatment. Since these bandits and terrorists infiltrate our border areas from neighbouring countries, the Federal Government should get surveillance drones to monitor these borders.
It should recruit more police personnel and soldiers to help in fighting banditry and insurgency in the country. Local hunters and vigilance groups should also be recruited and incorporated into the security architecture to complement the military. They understand local terrain better.
We will continue to emphasize the need for modern military equipment and effective intelligence gathering system in the efforts to combat banditry and terrorism in Nigeria. The United States military was able to attack and decimate some terrorists on Nigerian territory recently because of its sophisticated technology. It supplied Nigeria with some military equipment recently. The onus is on the country to deploy these weapons where they are needed most for more effective outcome.
