A wave of violent attacks across multiple states in Nigeria has left at least 250 people dead within just two weeks, sparking nationwide outrage and fresh criticism of the country’s security leadership.
In Plateau State alone, at least 113 people were reportedly massacred in Zike, Kimakpa, and surrounding communities in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas by suspected Fulani militants. Similar tragic incidents were recorded in Benue, Borno, Kebbi, Katsina, Abia, and Kwara states.
Stakeholders and security observers have condemned the apparent failure of Nigeria’s security chiefs to curtail the escalating violence, accusing them of being either overwhelmed or handling the situation with laxity.
The rise of a new terror group, identified as Mahmuda—also known as the Mallam Group—in the North Central region has further heightened concerns. This group joins an already complex web of violent actors, including Boko Haram, ISWAP, Lakurawa, and various bandit and militia factions.
Among the top security officials now under public scrutiny are Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla; and Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. Also implicated are the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Defence Ministers, Mohammed Badaru and Bello Matawalle.
