By: Dr. Sagir S Buhari FCIA
According to political science scholar Barry Buzan, national insecurity refers to a condition in which a state is unable to guarantee the safety of its citizens, institutions, and territorial integrity due to internal or external threats. It encompasses political, social, economic, and military dimensions and can arise from violence, terrorism, insurgency, and the breakdown of law and order. In essence, national insecurity reflects the vulnerability of a state and its people to systematic threats that undermine peace, stability, and governance.
Claims that Nigeria is undergoing a systematic Christian genocide, particularly voiced by President Donald Trump and certain U.S. lawmakers, misrepresent the country’s deeper security crisis. Violence in Nigeria is multi-dimensional, shaped by terrorism, separatist movements, herder-farmer conflicts, and extremist banditry. Hundreds of innocent Nigerians, both Muslims and Christians, have lost their lives. This affects civilians, soldiers, and communities across the nation, making the narrative of a single-religion genocide inaccurate.
Boko Haram and its offshoot, ISWAP, have waged campaigns targeting both Muslims and Christians. Their attacks are not solely religious but also territorial and ideological. Over decades, both mosques and churches have been attacked, and civilians of all faiths have been victims.
In northern Nigeria, clashes between Fulani herders and local farmers are largely driven by competition for land and resources rather than religion. Meanwhile, in the southeast, the Biafran separatist movement, led by Nnamdi Kanu, pursues political and ethnic goals. While the southeast is largely Christian, the violence is primarily ethno-political rather than religious.
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Targeted violence has claimed many respected religious leaders. Islamic scholars such as Sheikh Ja’afar Mahmud Adam, who was killed while praying in the mosque, Shehu Mustapha Idrissa Timta, Sheikh Muhammad Auwal Albani, and Imam Ibrahim Ahmed Abdullahi have been assassinated in various attacks. Others, including Sheikh Bashir Mustafa, Goni Tijjani, Mallam Alhaji Abur, Sheikh Ibrahim Birkuti, Liman Bana, Sheikh Ali Jana’a, Mallam Mai Tatabara, Sheikh Ibrahim Majimi, Alhaji Liman Bukar, Sheikh Baba Goni Mukhtar, and Mustapha Geidam, have also lost their lives in targeted attacks across Borno, Yobe, and other northern states. These deaths highlight that Muslim intellectuals and leaders are also targeted by violent extremists.
Christian leaders have similarly been victims of violent attacks. Rev. Jacob Abah, along with his wife Marian and their son, was killed in Taraba State. Rev. Yahaya Kambasaya, a pastor in Kauru, was killed by bandits. ECWA pastors Isma Dogari, Bulus Bayi, Yakubu Waziri, and Nehemiah Ezekiel have also been reported killed. Mangmwos Tangshak Daniel and Shadrack Ayuba, pastors in Plateau State, lost their lives in violence. Pastor Dominic Dajo from Benue State and Pastor Daniel Danbeki from Nasarawa State were among the victims. Catholic priests such as Rev. Fr. Isaac Achi, Rev. Fr. Paul Offu, Rev. Fr. Clement Ugwu, and Rev. Fr. David Tanko have also been killed. Mrs. Eunice Elisha, a female pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God, was killed while preaching. These incidents demonstrate that Christian clergy are also affected by Nigeria’s complex insecurity.
Nigeria’s military has suffered heavy losses, including senior officers. Brigadier-General Musa Uba, commander of the 25 Task Force Brigade, was reportedly captured and executed by ISWAP following an ambush near Wajiroko, Borno State. Brigadier-General Dzarma Zirkusu, commander of Special Forces, was killed in 2021 during a fierce encounter with ISWAP in Askira Uba, Borno State. Lieutenant Colonel A.S. Paiko, commanding officer of the 202 Tank Battalion, died in a reported ambush by ISWAP, and Lieutenant Colonel S.I. Iliyasu, commanding officer of the 222 Battalion, was killed in the same ambush. Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Abu Ali, former commander of the 272 Tank Battalion, was ambushed and killed by Boko Haram in 2016. These deaths underscore the high stakes and risks faced by Nigeria’s military.
President Donald Trump and several U.S. lawmakers have labeled Nigeria a “country of concern” for religious freedom, focusing on alleged Christian persecution. While these concerns deserve attention, they present a partial view of Nigeria’s complex insecurity. Insurgent attacks have targeted both churches and mosques. Separatist violence is motivated by politics and ethnicity, not solely religion. Military leadership has suffered significant losses, and extremist groups like Lakurawa operate with ideological, economic, and territorial objectives, affecting mixed communities. Lawmakers such as Rep. Riley Moore, Senator Ted Cruz, Rep. Chris Smith, Rep. Sara Jacobs, and Rep. Pramila Jayapal have emphasized varying aspects of the conflict, but a complete understanding requires acknowledging all victims.
The indiscriminate targeting of religious buildings shows that violence is not limited to one faith. The recent abduction of twenty-five schoolgirls from a girls’ school in Kebbi State, along with the killing of the vice-principal, Malam Hassan Yakubu Makuku, demonstrates that both Muslims and Christians are victims. The reported killings of Brigadier-General Musa Uba and other senior officers illustrate the heavy toll on Nigeria’s security forces.
Addressing Nigeria’s insecurity requires a comprehensive, multi-layered strategy. Strengthening governance and the rule of law is essential to ensure accountability across government and security agencies. Military and intelligence capacities should be enhanced, including deradicalization programs and precise field operations. Regional and international cooperation is necessary to limit cross-border insurgent movements. Addressing root causes such as land disputes, economic alternatives, and climate adaptation is critical to ease farmer-herder tensions. Promoting dialogue can help build trust among communities. Investment in education and social protection, especially for vulnerable children, will strengthen community resilience. Inclusive international support should protect all victims, not only those from one religious group, while promoting reconciliation.
Nigeria’s insecurity is not a simple case of Christian persecution. It is a complex crisis affecting religious leaders, civilians, and military personnel alike. The killings of Islamic scholars, Christian pastors, and senior military officers show that violence is indiscriminate.
It is therefore recommended that international policymakers, including President Donald Trump and members of the U.S. Congress, engage in careful and thorough research on the complexity of Nigeria’s insecurity. Decisions and statements regarding Nigeria should be guided by comprehensive facts and evidence, ensuring that support is effectively directed toward resolving the multidimensional security challenges in the country. Nigeria requires international cooperation and assistance to address these threats and to protect all its citizens, both Muslims and Christians. Lasting peace can only be achieved through narratives that are truthful, inclusive, and evidence-based, addressing the plight of all affected communities while fostering unity, security, and resilience.
God bless Nigeria.
Dr. Sagir S Buhari FCIA
Studied Political Science and International Relations
buharisageer@gmail.com
22nd November, 2025
