Why Is Insecurity Rising In Benue And Borno?

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.