Across Nigeria, reports of escalating insecurity have fueled alarm, with social media platforms like X abuzz with discussions about killers hiding in forests and rampant violence. According to posts on X, over 600,000 Nigerians have reportedly died from banditry and terrorism since 2023, with kidnappings remaining a daily occurrence in many regions. Northern and southeastern communities live in constant fear, while soldiers face significant losses in ongoing conflicts. A recent attack in Borno, where 23 people were killed in May 2025, underscores the persistent threat posed by groups like Boko Haram and other armed factions, including those described as “Fulani herdsmen” who have been likened to a terrorist group deadlier than ISIS in some online sentiments.
Despite official claims of progress, such as the reported neutralization of 13,543 terrorists and improved safety on roads like Abuja-Kaduna, the reality on the ground paints a grim picture. Amnesty International has documented over 10,000 deaths since May 2023, with attacks in states like Benue and Plateau displacing hundreds of thousands. U.S. and Canadian travel advisories have also warned of widespread crime and terrorism, highlighting the complexity of Nigeria’s security challenges.
Analysts point to intertribal conflicts and the proliferation of armed groups as key drivers of the crisis. Citizens are increasingly vocal, with hashtags like #EndBadGovernance trending on X as frustration mounts over the government’s inability to curb the violence. The lack of effective rule of law and the failure to address root causes, such as economic disparity and communal tensions, have further exacerbated the situation.
