Some security stakeholders have commended the Federal Government’s efforts to tackle insecurity, but called for stronger measures against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes.

The stakeholders made the call in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Thursday to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

They acknowledged progress under President Bola Tinubu’s administration in intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration, military operations and the deployment of technology to combat insecurity.

They, however, said the continued occurrence of kidnappings, attacks on communities and other violent crimes showed the need for more action to translate security operations into sustained safety for Nigerians.

NAN reports that Tinubu, who assumed office on May 29, 2023, inherited security challenges, which include: terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

In his third anniversary statement on May 29, the president said his administration had intensified operations against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal networks, while investing in intelligence, technology, logistics and inter-agency coordination.

NAN also reports that the 2026 Budget allocated N5.41 trillion to defence and security, with priorities including military modernisation, intelligence-led policing, border security and technology-driven surveillance.

The Minister of Defence, rtd. Gen. Christopher Musa, said on May 29 that terrorism had drastically reduced, rating the administration’s security performance at between 65 per cent and 70 per cent.

Musa, however, acknowledged that kidnapping and other forms of criminality remained challenging.

Mr Olaniyi Daniel, a security expert and owner of Premier Guard Security Ltd. said the administration deserved recognition for the improved coordination among security agencies and strengthened intelligence-led operations.

Daniel, however, urged the government to sustain the momentum and address the underlying factors driving terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities.

He said the country’s security situation should be assessed beyond the number of military operations conducted.

According to him, the real test is whether ordinary Nigerians can live, travel, go to farm or conduct businesses without fear.

He called for stronger community engagement, improved policing, better intelligence sharing and sustained investment in personnel and equipment.

Another security analyst, Mr Faith Adebola, said the administration had made visible efforts to strengthen the country’s security architecture despite the challenges that remained.

“So far, the current government has really tried, there has been noticeable security improvements in some parts of the country.

Adebola said security agencies had increasingly responded to security threats and victims of violent crimes, resulting in relative improvement in peace in some areas.

He, however, urged the government not to relent in the fight against banditry and kidnapping, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to him, improved security is necessary to enable Nigerians to move freely and participate peacefully in the electoral process.

He noted that the police and other security agencies had also strengthened their operational capacity through the provision of vehicles and other equipment.

Mr Joseph Lebi, a well informed journalist with Galaxy Television, also acknowledged the efforts of the government and security agencies in confronting terrorism, banditry and other forms of insecurity.

Lebi said the country’s security challenges had accumulated over several years and could not be eliminated within a short period.

He noted that security operations against terrorists and bandits had intensified, adding that the frequency of some attacks appeared to have reduced in some areas.

Lebi, however, called for more decisive action against terrorists and bandits.

“We need to be decisive,  the government should carefully reconsider negotiations with terrorists and bandits,” he said.

He said sustained military and security operations, intelligence gathering and other measures were required to further reduce attacks and protect communities.

Pastor Elijah James of the Assemblies of God Church, Ayobo, and a security expert urged Nigerians to continue praying for the country and support the efforts of the government and security agencies in tackling insecurity.

James said a lasting security required not only effective policing and military operations, but also responsible citizenship, strong families and sound moral values.

He commended security agencies for their efforts in  protecting lives and property, urging them to remain proactive and intensify intelligence gathering and community engagement.

The pastor also called on religious, community and family leaders to play greater roles in discouraging youths from crime and violence.

He urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and united, saying the country’s security challenges could be overcome through collective efforts, responsible citizenship, good leadership and continued prayers for peace and stability.

Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu