Nigeria’s struggle with insecurity has been long, complex and emotionally draining. Terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and organised crime continue to challenge the authority of the state and the safety of citizens. At the centre of this struggle are security personnel and civilian collaborators who choose to confront these threats, often at great personal risk. Yet recent experiences reveal a worrying pattern in which individuals who play prominent roles in combating criminality are later disgraced, prosecuted, abandoned or silenced. Rather than encouraging despair, this reality should prompt a constructive national reflection on how Nigeria can build a system that protects integrity, ensures accountability and sustains morale in the fight against insecurity.
An African proverb teaches that “Wisdom is not in blaming the darkness, but in lighting the lamp.” Nigeria must therefore look beyond individuals and focus on strengthening the system that produces, supports and regulates them.
The experience of Abba Kyari illustrates the dangers of over-personalising security successes. Once widely regarded as an effective police officer, his role in the arrest of notorious kidnapper Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, was celebrated as a major breakthrough. His later entanglement in criminal allegations—now before the courts—reveals deeper institutional gaps.
When systems are weak, individuals are elevated too quickly, oversight becomes fragile, and accountability arrives only after public trust has been damaged. The lesson is not to glorify or condemn prematurely, but to build professional structures that detect misconduct early and protect the credibility of institutions.
Even more painful is the case of Brigadier-General Musa Uba, a senior Nigerian Army officer reported to have led successful operations against the Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP.
Despite his operational achievements, he was later murdered by the same terrorist group. Beyond the tragic loss of a dedicated officer, his death exposed concerns about post-operation protection, welfare, intelligence continuity and institutional response. The silence that followed unsettled many within and outside the security community. As the elders say, “When the brave fall and the drums do not sound, fear enters the village.” Honouring sacrifice through transparency and institutional support is essential to sustaining confidence within the ranks.
The pattern is not limited to uniformed services. Civilians who cooperate with security agencies also face significant risks. Harrison Gwamnishu, known for assisting security operatives in tracking kidnappers, now faces criminal charges before the Edo State High Court. While due process must be respected and the courts allowed to determine the facts, the broader implication is clear. When citizens who support law enforcement find themselves vulnerable without clear legal frameworks, others are discouraged from offering help. African wisdom reminds us that “The tree that shelters the traveler must also be protected from the storm.”
Taken together, these experiences point to a structural challenge rather than isolated incidents. Nigeria’s security environment remains heavily personality-driven, with success and failure often tied to individuals rather than institutions. This approach weakens professionalism, fuels politicisation and leaves frontliners exposed. A more sustainable path lies in strengthening institutions, not personalities. Security successes should belong to systems, supported by clear operational protocols, shared intelligence, professional oversight and predictable accountability mechanisms that are insulated from political influence.
There is also a pressing need to improve protection and welfare for those on the frontlines, especially officers who lead high-risk operations. Recognition must extend beyond medals and press statements to include continued intelligence support, safety measures and institutional backing. Likewise, civilian collaboration must be guided by clear legal and operational frameworks that protect both the state and the individual. As another proverb wisely notes, “A house built on order will not collapse in the night.”
Nigeria does not lack courageous men and women willing to confront insecurity. What remains insufficient is a mature security culture that balances accountability with protection, justice with fairness, and sacrifice with honour. The objective should not be to shield anyone from the law, but to ensure that justice is transparent, consistent and institutional, not selective or reactionary.
Ultimately, the future of Nigeria’s security depends not on the strength of a few individuals, but on the resilience of the system that supports all who serve. As African wisdom concludes, “The village is safe not because of one hunter, but because the village stands behind those who guard it.”
