By Samuel Marshall
Nigeria found itself straddling two volatile fronts on Sunday, 7th December, 2025 – projecting military power abroad even as bloodshed, mass abductions, and brazen attacks deepened a lingering security crisis at home.
In a dramatic dawn response, Nigerian fighter jets and ground troops were deployed to the Republic of Benin after a faction of soldiers, led by Colonel Tigri Pascal, seized the state television station and announced the ouster of President Patrice Talon. The swift intervention, executed under the ECOWAS Standby Force mandate, was triggered by an urgent request from the government of Benin.
President Bola Tinubu’s office confirmed that the mission aimed to “restore constitutional order and protect democratic institutions.” Within hours, the coup collapsed. President Talon reappeared on national television to announce that loyal forces had regained control of the area. Abuja hailed the operation as evidence of Nigeria’s “unwavering commitment to regional stability.”
Yet even as Nigeria celebrated a swift international success, the nation reeled under relentless violence within its own borders.
A NATION UNDER SIEGE
Across the Northeast, Northwest, North-Central, and parts of the Southeast and South-South, attacks by insurgents and criminal gangs escalated with alarming ferocity.
In Borno State, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters ambushed the Task Force Brigade, killing its commander, Brigadier M. Uba, and three senior officers. Defence analysts described the assault as “a strategic blow that underscores insurgents’ growing tactical capability.”
Hours later, terrorists stormed the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, killing the Vice-Principal and abducting scores of students. A similarly audacious attack rocked Niger State, where gunmen invaded St. Mary’s Secondary School in Papri Town and kidnapped hundreds in one of the largest mass abductions since 2014.
Communities in the North-Central region were not spared. In Kwara State, worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church, Orekan, were kidnapped during a service, while the Ojibara of Bayagan, Alhaji Kamilu Salami, was abducted on his farm.
The Southeast recorded its own wave of kidnappings. Five Rivers State University students disappeared in Imo State alongside 14 passengers seized from a commuter bus. In Kogi – fast becoming Nigeria’s new hotspot – bandits invaded a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, abducting the pastor, his wife, and congregants.
Two of the six Defence Ministry directors kidnapped weeks ago also remain in captivity.
The Northwest continued its grim trend. In Kano, attackers struck Yankamaye village in Tsanyanwa LGA, killing a woman and abducting three others, days after a similar strike in Biresawa. Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin called on security agencies to “hunt down the marauding criminals terrorising Tsanyawa and Shanono.”
Hours after, tragedy hit Sokoto when bandits invaded Chacho village in Wurno LGA, kidnapping a bride, her bridesmaids, and relatives preparing for her wedding.
SECURITY ANALYSTS: ‘Nigeria Is Reaching a Breaking Point
Observers warned that while the Benin intervention proved Nigeria could project a regional force, the country’s internal security structure is overstretched and increasingly reactive.
Dr Habeeb Musa, Security Scholar:
“The irony is painful. Nigeria is stabilising its neighbours while its own communities are collapsing under violence. The state is fighting too many battles with too little coordination.”
Faith Ogbuehi, Conflict Analyst:
“The surge in kidnappings shows that criminal networks are expanding faster than government response capabilities. Unless there is a unified national counter-terrorism strategy, this cycle will worsen.”
Retired Brigadier Danladi Gana:
“Nigeria’s security forces remain brave and committed, but morale is affected. The death of Brigadier Uba is a warning that insurgents are adapting – and fast.”
GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Emergency Measures and Tougher Laws
President Tinubu recently declared a nationwide security emergency, unveiling measures that include recruiting 20,000 police officers and deploying trained forest guards to protect rural communities.
In the National Assembly, senators have advanced a bill amending the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act to classify kidnapping and hostage-taking as acts of terrorism, with the death penalty prescribed for offenders. Sponsor Senator Opeyemi Bamidele argued that the legislation “reflects the Senate’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s hunt for lasting solutions.”
Without tackling unemployment, poverty, and weak governance, Nigeria will continue to produce recruits for terrorist and bandit groups,” said Professor Olutayo Adebanjo, a criminologist at the University of Ibadan.
As Nigeria celebrated its role in suppressing a coup abroad, grim questions linger over whether the nation can muster equal resolve to confront the storm gathering at home.***
