Yola, Nigeria – Nigeria has been grappling with a multitude of security threats over the past two decades, posing significant challenges to the country’s stability. From violent militancy in the Niger Delta to conflicts between farmers and herders, terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and secessionist campaigns, Nigeria’s security landscape is complex and multifaceted.
The emergence of the Ambazonian secessionist group from Cameroon adds a new layer of complexity to Nigeria’s security concerns. The group’s recent violent invasion of the Nigerian village of Belegete in December 2023 highlights the growing threat posed by external influences on Nigeria’s national security capabilities.
As a scholar specializing in radicalization, violent extremism, and counterterrorism in West and Central Africa, I am concerned about Nigeria’s strategic preparedness and its ability to tackle the evolving security challenges. The Ambazonian separatist movement, seeking independence from Cameroon, has sparked a bloody civil war rooted in historical grievances and territorial disputes between Anglophone and Francophone regions.
The violence and human rights violations stemming from the Anglophone crisis have resulted in significant displacement and humanitarian crises, with over 1.7 million people in need of assistance and thousands of deaths. The recent attack in Belegete, which left two dead and 20 others kidnapped, further underscores the escalating security concerns in the region.
The incursion of Ambazonian insurgents into Nigeria not only exacerbates Nigeria’s security challenges but also contributes to a broader regional destabilization. With an estimated 2.3 million internally displaced persons and over 90,000 refugees and asylum seekers in Nigeria, the country’s capacity to address the growing threats is stretched thin.
Nigeria’s security apparatus is already strained due to internal conflicts and operational limitations, raising questions about the government’s ability to effectively respond to the emerging threats. Calls for strengthened cooperation with international partners, such as the United States, highlight the need for mutual support in addressing the complex security landscape in the region.
Efforts to counter the Ambazonian separatists and other security threats will require enhanced strategic cooperation between Nigeria and neighboring countries. However, challenges such as low morale, corruption, and lack of professionalism within Nigeria’s security forces pose significant obstacles to effectively addressing the escalating security concerns.