Insecurity is once again surging in Nigeria’s Borno and Benue states, driven by a combination of militant insurgency and violent land-related conflicts that threaten national stability, food security, and regional safety.

In Benue State, violence linked to suspected Fulani herdsmen continues to displace thousands of residents and disrupt agricultural activities. According to Hon. Terseer Ugbor, a member of the House of Representatives representing Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency, “over 40 percent of the arable farmlands in Benue State have been taken over by Fulani bandits.” He warned that farmers are now unable to access their lands, causing a significant drop in agricultural production and heightening the risk of food insecurity.

In a recent attack, 13 people were killed and many children orphaned. One particularly alarming incident involved the burning of an immigration outpost in Kwande Local Government Area – an important but unarmed intelligence-gathering post near the Cameroon border. “During the attack, the bandits crossed into Cameroonian territory, where the Cameroon Gendarmes engaged and killed several of them,” Ugbor revealed. He emphasized that the violence could spill over into international conflict and also affect key infrastructure like the Kashimbila Power Plant and a nearby UN refugee camp.

Meanwhile, Borno State is witnessing a troubling resurgence of insurgent activity from Boko Haram and its offshoot, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Governor Babagana Zulum recently confirmed that the militant group has ramped up attacks and kidnappings, with little resistance from security forces. “The renewed Boko Haram attacks and kidnappings in many communities, almost on a daily basis without confrontation, signalled that Borno State is losing ground,” Zulum warned. He further described the situation as “a setback in the fragile state of Borno and the North East region.”

The governor noted that Boko Haram has adapted its methods, reportedly using drones for surveillance and attacks. Despite earlier military gains, the group appears to be regaining control in several districts, displacing civilians and attacking both residents and security personnel.

Reason for This Resurgence

This resurgence of violence in both states is raising questions about the root causes and the ability of government at all levels to respond effectively.

In Borno, the fresh wave of attacks appears to stem from a combination of military fatigue, overstretched resources, and changing militant tactics. After years of counterinsurgency operations, Boko Haram and ISWAP have regrouped, exploiting lapses in security presence, especially in rural areas. Intelligence reports indicate that the insurgents are now leveraging technology – such as drones – for surveillance and offensives, allowing them to strike more efficiently and evade detection. The exit of key regional allies, like Niger Republic, from multinational security partnerships has also weakened border surveillance, giving insurgents more room to operate.

In Benue, the escalation is largely rooted in unresolved land-use conflicts and the unchecked movement of armed herders. The state has long suffered from farmer-herder tensions, but recent attacks suggest a more organized, militarized pattern of violence. Communities in border areas like Kwande, Guma, and Gwer East have been targeted repeatedly. The inability to access farmlands has not only displaced thousands but has severely crippled the local economy, which is heavily dependent on agriculture. Security experts suggest that the herdsmen are not acting in isolation but are being enabled by political and logistical support networks that make enforcement more difficult.

Governors’ Responses

Despite mounting criticism, both state governors appear to be working under severe constraints.

In Borno State, Governor Babagana Zulum has expressed deep concern over the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks. He highlighted that the militants have intensified their activities, dislodging military formations and causing significant casualties. “The renewed Boko Haram attacks and kidnappings in many communities, almost on a daily basis without confrontation, signaled that Borno State is losing ground,” Zulum stated during a recent security meeting in Maiduguri. He emphasized the need for enhanced technological warfare to counter the insurgents’ evolving tactics, including their use of drones for surveillance and attacks.

In Benue State, Governor Hyacinth Alia has condemned the persistent attacks by armed herders, particularly in Kwande and Ukum Local Government Areas. Addressing the affected communities, he assured residents of swift government action: “I share your pains, and I assure you that we will step up our response promptly. The remorseless barbarity of these assailants and their sponsors will soon be a thing of the past.” Governor Alia also called on security agencies to intensify efforts in apprehending the perpetrators and restoring peace to the region.

Federal Government’s Position

The Federal Government has acknowledged the security challenges in Borno and Benue States. In response to Governor Zulum’s concerns, the Minister of Information emphasized the administration’s commitment to addressing the issues: “Government calls on all, especially the subnational governments, to join hands to ensure rapid eradication of the remaining pockets of criminal elements wherever they may be.” This statement underscores the need for collaborative efforts between federal and state authorities to combat insecurity.

What Next?

What lies ahead for Borno and Benue States remains uncertain. Without coordinated and sustained intervention, both states risk descending further into violence and humanitarian crisis. Analysts warn that if the federal and state governments fail to act decisively – by strengthening security presence, addressing the root causes of conflict, and restoring trust in governance – the consequences could ripple far beyond the affected regions, threatening Nigeria’s fragile stability.

The Federal Government through the Ministry of Police Affairs has formally received the West African Police Information System (WAPIS) platform and infrastructure from the European Union/INTERPOL towards enhancing security in the nation and West Africa region.

The official handing over ceremony of WAPIS Programme performed by the Interpol Executive Director Police Services to theMinister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Gaidam at the ECOWAS Secretariat Asokoro, Abuja.

The Minister stated that the move symbolizes Nigeria’s strong commitment and active role in regional security cooperation through the WAPIS Programme towards sustaining the WAPIS initiative, ensuring enhanced security for Nigeria and the West African Region.

Gaidam recalled that since the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between INTERPOL and the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the 16th of April 2019, Nigeria has greatly benefited from the implementation of the WAPIS Programme.

This collaboration has notably resulted in the renovation and operationalization of the Data Collection and Registration Centre (DACORE), inaugurated on the 26th of May 2021, strategically situated at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja. The Minister stressed.

In his words, “At the inception stage, we received an initial donation workstation, which significantly improved the technological capabilities. Recognizing the importance of interagency collaboration, we brought onboard key national law enforcement agencies, namely the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Immigration Service, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria Correctional Service, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Nigeria Customs Service, and the Nigeria Police Force as the coordinating agency”.

He said, as the Chairman of the WAPIS National Committee (WANACO), it has been his responsibility to oversee the effective implementation of the Programme and worked relentlessly to foster improved coordination and cooperation among law enforcement agencies, ensuring effective data-driven law enforcement operations across Nigeria.

Gaidam revealed that the Ministry of Police Affairs, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, has proactively submitted a comprehensive budget proposal to the President and the proposal is currently receiving commendable attention.

The Minister reinforced the commitment to ensure seamless and effective operation by personally overseeing the provision of stable and reliable internet connectivity at the DACORE, facilitating continuous and effective communication with remote locations.

He added that the Ministry recently organized a three-day WAPIS Workshop themed “Interagency Collaboration on Information Sharing among Law Enforcement Agencies in Nigeria.’ with key stakeholders and a communiqué presented to the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

In his remarks, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Gautier Mignot pointed out that the Union played a pivotal role in modernizing the effectiveness of the security forces in the region adding that through the expenditure of 380 million Euros they were able to create centralized and secured system for police information at national and regional levels.

The INTERPOL, Executive Director Police Services, Cyril Gout appreciated the commitment of the ECOWAS and European Union for their commitment and resilience on the WAPIS project implementation.

He added that integration of several police Information systems represent a major stride that enable them to focus on transnational crimes, human trafficking and information sharing.

In a historic move, Niger has declared Hausa its national language, relegating French—a vestige of its colonial past—to the sidelines. This decision, enacted in early 2025, marks a pivotal step toward embracing an indigenous identity for a nation long shaped by external influence.

A Colonial Legacy Out of Step

Since gaining independence from France in 1960, Niger leaned on French as its official language, a choice that reflected colonial convenience more than local reality. Government decrees, school curricula, and media broadcasts were conducted in French, yet only about 20% of Nigeriens speak it fluently, per Ethnologue estimates. For the majority, languages like Hausa (over 50% of the population), Zarma (around 20%), and Tamajaq have remained the lifeblood of communication. This disconnect has often left rural communities and non-elites excluded from national discourse, highlighting the need for change.

Why Hausa? The Driving Forces

The elevation of Hausa is no arbitrary choice—it’s a calculated embrace of both heritage and utility:
Reclaiming Heritage: By prioritizing Hausa, Niger is shedding the linguistic shadow of French rule. This echoes a broader African trend—countries like Tanzania with Swahili and Ethiopia with Amharic have long shown how indigenous languages can unify and empower.

Bridging the Divide: With Hausa as the national tongue, government policies and education can reach millions previously sidelined. For instance, a farmer in Maradi or a trader in Zinder—Hausa-speaking hubs—can now engage directly with the state.

Strengthening Regional Ties: Hausa’s reach extends far beyond Niger’s borders, spoken by over 80 million people across West Africa, notably in Nigeria and Chad. This could bolster trade, diplomacy, and cultural exchange in a region often fractured by colonial legacies.

A Move Echoing Political Resolve

This linguistic shift dovetails with Niger’s recent political assertiveness. On January 28, 2024, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso announced their withdrawal from ECOWAS, accusing the bloc of serving foreign interests over regional ones, as reported by AP News. Under military leadership since a 2023 coup, Niger has also expelled French troops and pivoted toward new allies like Russia. Elevating Hausa is thus part of a broader narrative—a nation redefining itself amid shifting alliances and a rejection of Western dominance.

The road to making Hausa fully operational won’t be smooth. Translating legal codes, retraining civil servants, and updating textbooks demand resources and time. Moreover, Niger’s linguistic diversity—home to over 10 languages—raises questions about equity. Will Zarma or Fulfulde speakers feel sidelined? The government has hinted at a multilingual approach, but details remain sparse. Still, the potential is immense: a more inclusive Niger could inspire other African nations to rethink their own colonial inheritances.