As preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum across Nigeria, concerns are mounting over the worsening security situation in parts of the country, particularly in the North-East and North-West regions.
In an interview with The News Chronicle on Tuesday Morning in Maiduguri, an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), who requested anonymity due to security concerns, expressed deep frustration over what he described as the government’s failure to prioritise security amid rising political activities.
According to the officer, security personnel operating in conflict prone areas continue to risk their lives daily while politicians focus more on campaign preparations and electoral strategies.
“We are risking our lives, and even our families are not safe. Politicians are playing with our lives because of their selfish interests,” he said. “We know elections are approaching, but look at what is happening in the North-East. Boko Haram terrorists are operating freely in some areas, even though the Nigerian Army is doing its best to protect the people.”
He acknowledged the sacrifices made by the Nigerian military, noting that many soldiers have paid the ultimate price in the fight against insurgency.
“The Nigerian Army has sacrificed so much for this country. Many have lost their lives defending the nation, but unfortunately, politicians do not seem to recognise or appreciate these sacrifices,” he added.
The officer further revealed that on the same day of the interview, insurgents reportedly attacked two local government areas in Borno State, Nganzai and Bama axis intensifying fears among residents and security operatives alike.
“Every security personnel you see in Maiduguri carries the picture of their wife or children in their pockets. We live every day knowing that anything can happen at any moment. Yet, the attention of those in power appears to be elsewhere,” he lamented.
He also highlighted the situation in the North-West, stating that while bandits in the region often target civilians, insurgents in the North-East attack both civilians and security personnel. According to him, the scale and persistence of violence in both regions demand urgent and decisive action from the government.
The officer urged the Federal Government to refocus its priorities on tackling insecurity, stressing that protecting lives and property is the primary reason Nigerians elected their leaders.
“It is very important for the government to concentrate on security rather than politics. Nigerians voted for protection and safety, not hardship and fear,” he said.
He also called on authorities to provide the Nigerian Army and other security agencies with more sophisticated weapons and improved resources to effectively confront insurgents and armed bandits across the country.
Meanwhile, reports reaching The News Chronicle on Tuesday morning indicated that suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked Damasak town in Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State on Monday evening. However, details of the incident were still emerging at the time of filing this report.
In recent months, insecurity has continued to trouble many parts of northern Nigeria, with communities frequently reporting attacks, abductions, and destruction of property.
As the 2027 elections approach, many Nigerians are calling on political leaders to balance campaign activities with urgent efforts to restore peace and stability across the country.
