Nigeria - Boubacar Sani

Former governor of Nigeria's Jigawa State and prominent leader of the People's Democratic Party, Sule Lamido, stressed that the leaders of the north must Nigeria Confronting the painful realities behind the escalating security deterioration plaguing the region, holding political and religious leaders and families responsible for exacerbating the crisis.

Lamido, in an interview with Premier Radio in Kano, said that the waves of terrorism and armed banditry reflect a failure of leadership and a breakdown in the value and educational system within northern society.

The former Nigerian foreign minister added that many members of the Boko Haram group and armed gangs are from the same region, stressing that resolving the crisis begins with acknowledging this fact and seriously reviewing oneself.

Warnings of escalating chaos in Nigeria

He said: «Where do the Boko Haram elements and bandits come from? They are our sons from the north, they did not descend from the sky.».

According to recent reports, at least 70 local government areas in six northern states experienced deadly attacks by armed groups between 2024 and 2025, affecting more than 4,700 people.

Lamido supported the idea of creating local police forces at the state level as part of efforts to address the deteriorating security situation, but stressed the need to ensure discipline, good training, and accountability for such a system to succeed.

The Nigerian politician also criticized the preoccupation of political and religious forces with partisan and sectarian disputes, at a time when the circle of violence and insecurity is expanding.

He said: «Some are talking about the Progressive Congress Party, others about the People’s Democratic Party, while others are preoccupied with disputes between religious groups, while insecurity continues to spread.».

Lamido expressed concern that kidnapping, murder, and ransom payments have become almost commonplace, considering this to reflect a serious breakdown in societal values.

He added: «You can no longer protect your people, yet you claim to be in power. Criminals have taken control of entire communities in some states.».

Lamido warned that continuing to ignore the roots of the security crisis could lead northern Nigeria into further chaos and instability, calling on leaders to join forces and take decisive steps before the situation worsens further.