• Super Admin
• 08 Mar, 2026

Our political leaders, traditional rulers, Islamic scholars, community leaders, and the general public must urgently wake up to the frightening reality before us. The new strategies adopted by Boko Haram and other terrorist groups, combined with the persistent menace of banditry, indicate that the situation is becoming more dangerous and complex with each passing day. As a Human Rights Activist, a Legal Practitioner, and a proud son of Northern Nigeria, the disturbing level of insecurity across our region has compelled me to put pen to paper. What we are witnessing today is not just a security challenge; it is a serious threat to the survival, stability, and future of Northern Nigeria. Our political leaders, traditional rulers, Islamic scholars, community leaders, and the general public must urgently wake up to the frightening reality before us. The new strategies adopted by Boko Haram and other terrorist groups, combined with the persistent menace of banditry, indicate that the situation is becoming more dangerous and complex with each passing day. However, honesty demands that we admit that not all our problems are external. Some of the crises confronting the North today are deeply rooted in our own social and structural failures. Practices such as mass marriage sponsorship without long-term planning, uncontrolled population growth without adequate parental responsibility, the abandonment of children under the Almajiri system, and the refusal to prioritise modern education have created a generation of vulnerable and neglected youths. These social conditions have, unfortunately, become fertile ground for recruitment into criminal and extremist activities. If we fail to confront these issues honestly, lasting peace in Northern Nigeria will remain elusive. A Disturbing Pattern of Violence Recent developments across the region paint a frightening picture. In January 2026, in Maiduguri, Borno State, Boko Haram insurgents attacked a military formation using motorcycles and armoured vehicles, killing at least eight Nigerian soldiers and injuring over fifty others. In February 2026, gunmen suspected to be linked to extremist groups stormed the Woro community, reportedly massacring about 200 people and leaving the community in ruins. In the first week of March 2026, militants from the Islamic State-backed faction of Boko Haram, ISWAP, launched a deadly assault on a military base along the Bama-Gwoza Road, killing several soldiers, including Major U. I. Mairiga. In another devastating incident, insurgents reportedly overran a military position, burned armoured vehicles, assassinated the Chief Imam of Ngoshe, and abducted over 100 women and children, forcing many residents to flee their homes. Meanwhile, in Niger State, bandits attacked villages in Borgu Local Government Area, killing civilians, rustling cattle, and burning shops. Earlier attacks in neighbouring communities had already claimed more than 40 lives. Insecurity Is Spreading to Previously Safe States Even more troubling is the fact that insecurity is spreading rapidly to areas previously considered relatively safe. In Kano State, where incidents of banditry were once rare, bandits recently infiltrated Unguwar Tsamiya, popularly known as Dabawa, in Shanono Local Government Area, kidnapping 11 residents. Similarly, Bauchi State, historically known as one of the most peaceful states in the North-East during the insurgency years, is now experiencing growing security threats. In February 2026, residents of the Digare community in Alkaleri Local Government Area raised an alarm over an attack by suspected bandits. By March 2026, many residents from the Kare-Kare axis of Digare and surrounding villages in Gwana District had already been displaced, seeking refuge in Kashere after violent attacks forced them to abandon their homes, farms, and livelihoods. In Katsina and Zamfara States, the situation is even more alarming. Kidnappings, killings, and bandit attacks have become almost daily occurrences, turning many communities into zones of fear and displacement. Families are being torn apart, women and children are left homeless, and entire communities are struggling with hunger, poverty, and psychological trauma. Communities Must Also Be Vigilant While the government and security agencies have a constitutional duty to protect lives and property, communities must also recognise the need for collective vigilance and self-preservation. A recent incident in Minna, Niger State, illustrates this reality. On March 6, along Shiroro Road near Iya Femi Restaurant, suspected armed robbers trailed a man from a bank after he received ₦10 million from a client. The attackers intercepted his Toyota Camry, fired shots into the air, and forced him to surrender the money. However, during the struggle, the victim managed to seize a rifle from one of the robbers and shot him, forcing the gang to panic and flee. This incident demonstrates that courage, vigilance, and community awareness can sometimes prevent criminals from succeeding. Our Collective Responsibility It would be a mistake to believe that insecurity in Northern Nigeria is solely the government's responsibility. We as Northerners must also rise to the challenge of reforming our communities and addressing the root causes of this crisis. Two issues demand urgent attention: 1. The alarming lack of access to quality education 2. Irresponsible population growth without adequate planning for the future Rather than focusing all our attention on distant international conflicts, we must first confront the very real crisis unfolding within our own communities. Conclusion Northern Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads. If urgent and collective action is not taken, the insecurity we hear about today in distant communities may soon reach every household. Finally, I extend my deepest condolences and appreciation to our gallant members of the security forces, who continue to risk their lives daily in defence of our country. May Allah protect our people, guide our leaders, and restore lasting peace to Northern Nigeria. Source: https://saharareporters.com/2026/03/08/northern-nigeria-must-wake-it-too-late-hamza-nuhu-dantani-esq