The familiar warning, “Let Nigeria not happen to you,” has never felt more relevant. Across the country, insecurity is tightening its grip, leaving citizens questioning whether safety is now a matter of luck rather than a protected right.

Events from this week highlight the severity of the crisis, schoolchildren abducted, worshippers attacked, and leaders attempting to reassure a nation that increasingly feels exposed. 

Nigerians are asking a difficult, urgent question: Is this country still safe for the people who call it home?

This Week’s Major Security Incidents:

1. 25 Schoolgirls Abducted in Kebbi State; Vice Principal Killed

Gunmen attacked Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, killing the vice principal and abducting 25 schoolgirls. The attackers arrived on motorcycles, exchanged fire with police, and escaped with the students before reinforcements arrived.

A combined rescue effort involving the military, police and local vigilantes is underway, but families remain anxious, and many Nigerians fear the incident marks a continuation of Nigeria’s long-running pattern of school abductions.

2. Church Attack in Kwara State: Worshippers Killed and Kidnapped

Armed assailants attacked a church in Eruku, Kwara State, killing at least two worshippers and abducting several others. According to eyewitnesses, the attackers opened fire during service before taking hostages. The incident deepened public concern that no space, schools, markets, farms, or even places of worship is beyond the reach of violent groups.

Government Reaction:

President Tinubu Places Nigeria on Nationwide Security Alert

Following the Kebbi and Kwara attacks, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed all security agencies to move to “maximum preparedness”, placing the country on heightened alert.

The President ordered an escalation of intelligence gathering, community surveillance, and targeted operations in vulnerable regions. According to senior officials, the alert followed “credible intelligence” indicating an increased threat level across multiple states.

Tinubu condemned the attacks, describing them as “an assault on Nigeria’s values, its security, and its children.” He assured citizens that recovering the abducted girls remains a top national priority.

Senate President Akpabio Acknowledges Security Strain

Senate President Godswill Akpabio also addressed the nation’s rising insecurity. While condemning the latest attacks, he stressed the operational strain facing Nigeria’s security forces.

In his words:

“We sympathise deeply with the families affected, but we must remember that Nigeria is a very large country. Our security agencies are overstretched and operating in places they ordinarily should not have to be.”

He added that while no society is entirely free of crime, even advanced nations like the United States and Nigeria must continue strengthening their capacity to prevent and respond to violent attacks.

Akpabio also called for increased funding, improved coordination, and a renewed national approach to tackling insecurity.

While the government has announced heightened security measures and acknowledged systemic pressure, many Nigerians argue that the nation needs comprehensive, long-term reforms rather than temporary responses after each tragedy.

Until Nigeria achieves a proactive, rather than reactive, security posture, the painful truth persists.