•Unleashes details and outlines what must be done to reverse trend

The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administration “has underperformed in nearly all key security indices” when compared with the final year of the immediate past government headed by erstwhile president Muhammadu Buhari. This is the verdict of seasoned security analyst, Senator Iroegbu.

“I would rate the current security situation as poor—largely a continuation, if not a deterioration, of what we experienced during the Buhari administration. Alarmingly, based on data from independent security tracking and analysis, the Tinubu administration has underperformed in nearly all key security indices when compared to the final year of Buhari’s government,” Iroegbu said in a recent interview with News Express.

Giving details, he said: “We have witnessed a resurgence of Boko Haram attacks, the emergence of new violent groups like Lakurawa and Mamuda, and persistent killings in the North Central and North West regions. In the South East, the unresolved issues surrounding IPOB and the so-called ‘unknown gunmen’ continue to escalate, with little or no decisive government response. Furthermore, crimes such as kidnapping, human and drug trafficking, cybercrime, cultism, and transnational criminal networks have worsened.

“It’s important to also note that the Sahel region which also straddles Nigeria’s northern region, remains at the epicentre of the global terrorism crisis for over three years now. Insecurity has become more complex and diffused across the country.”

Iroegbu, also an accomplished journalist, identified “several interrelated factors that contribute to the worsening security situation.”

His words: “Lack of Strategic Focus: Insecurity was not a clear priority for the Tinubu administration at inception. This lack of urgency and a coherent national security strategy has resulted in a reactive, rather than proactive, posture.

“Economic Distraction: The fallout from the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira understandably shifted attention towards economic stabilization. However, this inadvertently downplayed the urgency of security reforms.

“Absence of Novel Reforms or Programs: Beyond routine security engagements and appointments, there has been no groundbreaking security reform, innovative program, or strategic shift. The government has largely relied on outdated approaches that have yielded little.

“Weak Political Will: There is an evident reluctance to address the root causes of insecurity or to pursue justice against perpetrators. This has further emboldened violent actors.

“Political Distractions: With premature focus on 2027 political permutations, core governance issues—including security—have been relegated. This political obsession is undermining focus on national security imperatives.”

On the way out of the insecurity quagmire, Iroegbu, who rated National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu low, had this to say: “If this administration is truly committed to addressing insecurity, it must:

“Prioritize National Security Reforms: This includes restructuring Nigeria’s security architecture to allow for decentralised policing and state-level security frameworks.

“Strengthen Border Security: Our porous borders remain a critical weakness that facilitates terrorism, trafficking, and arms smuggling.

“Engage the Sahel Dynamically: Nigeria must actively participate in regional counterterrorism and stabilization efforts in the Sahel.

“Tackle Root Causes: Socioeconomic inequality, poor governance, youth unemployment, and historical grievances must be addressed through long-term development and inclusive governance.

“Promote Justice and Accountability: Perpetrators must be named, arrested, and prosecuted. Victims and communities deserve justice and restitution.”

Concluding, the security analyst noted that “the time for rhetoric is long gone,” adding: “What Nigeria needs now is action, reform, and results.”