A group of young Nigerians on Tuesday took to the streets of Abuja to protest the growing insecurity across the country, urging the Federal Government and security agencies to take decisive action against banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping.
Operating under the banner “Nigerians Unite Against Terror,” the demonstrators marched peacefully from the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to the National Assembly, carrying placards and singing solidarity songs as they called for stronger measures to tackle the security crisis.
Speaking to journalists at the National Assembly complex, the convener of the protest, Isah Abubakar, said insecurity has become a national challenge that affects all Nigerians regardless of political affiliation or religion.
“There are major highways where, after 5 p.m., people are afraid to travel. Those who are trapped, kidnapped, or killed are not just members of APC, PDP or any other party — they are Nigerians,” he said.
Abubakar noted that while the protection of lives and property remains the government’s primary responsibility, achieving lasting security requires collective participation from citizens and authorities alike.
“We have a right and a duty to demand accountability from those charged with our safety. We need real, proactive measures to protect our children, keep women safe in their homes and farms, and reclaim our rural communities from criminals.
“The citizens who are trapped, kidnapped or killed on these roads are not just members of one political party or another; they are Nigerians. The bandits do not care about your religion, tribe, political party or background. This is a collective tragedy affecting us all,” he added.
He called on security chiefs and lawmakers to act with urgency and commitment while encouraging Nigerians to work alongside government efforts to restore peace across the country.
Another protest leader, Austin Okai, urged retired military officers and former security chiefs to contribute their experience and expertise toward addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
“We are calling on our former military and security leaders to step forward and collaborate. We must secure the country first before we can talk about politics,” Okai said.
He warned that continued insecurity could negatively impact democratic processes and political activities nationwide.
“No political party can successfully hold a rally or mobilise voters if the people they are gathering cannot return to their homes safely,” he said.
Okai stressed that insecurity transcends political divisions and requires a united national response.
Referencing the recent abduction of a political party chairman in Kebbi State, he argued that criminal groups pose a threat to everyone regardless of status or affiliation.
He also urged the National Assembly to strengthen oversight of security spending and ensure accountability in the management of public funds allocated to security agencies.
“The National Assembly has a constitutional mandate to demand strict accountability. That is the essence of democratic checks and balances,” he stated.
While advocating security sector reforms, Okai cautioned against creating state police and forest guard systems without proper planning, funding, training, and equipment.
“The only leverage these bandits have over our communities is their weaponry. If we create state police or forest guards but fail to train and arm them properly, we are sending them to their deaths,” he said.
He maintained that any move to decentralise policing must be backed by modern equipment, professional training, and effective coordination with federal security agencies.
“If we are going to establish state police and forest guards, there must be rigorous training, standardised modern weaponry and seamless synergy with federal security agencies,” Okai added.
The protest ended peacefully after representatives of the National Assembly received a petition from the demonstrators and assured them that their concerns would be forwarded to the leadership of both legislative chambers for consideration.
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