The formidability of non-state actors, threat to democracy and nationhood in Nigeria- Umar Hamisu Kofar Na’isa

By solacebase.com On Nov 27, 2025

Nigeria, Bandits, Boko Haram, Bola Tinubu, insecurity — Comrade Umar Hamisu Kofar Mata

By Comrade Umar Hamisu Kofar Na’isa

Nigeria is entering a critical period in its democratic journey. Rising insecurity, the growing influence of non-state actors, misinformation from external political figures, and weakening public confidence in state institutions all pose serious risks to national unity and democratic stability.

This article examines the resurgence of insecurity across the country, the growing formidability of non-state actors, and the implications for Nigeria’s democracy and nationhood as the 2027 General Elections draw nearer.

Non-state actors are groups or individuals who wield influence outside formal government structures. In Nigeria, they include terrorist groups like Boko Haram or Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunnah Lidda’awati Wal-Jihad, ISWAP, Ansaru, bandits and kidnapping networks, militant groups such as Niger Delta oil bunkering gangs, secessionist movements like IPOB and ESN in the Southeast, online extremist networks, and influential political or religious pressure bodies.

Recent developments show that the threat is not only persistent but expanding. Reports of schoolgirls and schoolchildren abducted in Kebbi, Kwara, and Niger, and terrorist attacks in Kaduna, Borno, and Zamfara illustrate that educational institutions remain vulnerable. This has forced several states to shut down schools, disrupting academic calendars and threatening long-term human development.

Kano, especially areas around Shanono, Tsanyawa, and Rimin Gado, where they border Katsina State, have recorded repeated attacks—an indication that non-state actors are widening their operational space.

Furthermore, recent targeted killings of senior military officers, as happened to Brigadier General Musa Uba in Borno, demonstrate improved coordination among armed groups and a worrying intelligence gap. Together, these trends show a systemic deterioration in national security capacity.

U.S President Donald Trump’s public claim that “Christians are being killed in Nigeria” triggered significant diplomatic tension. Although the allegation was widely viewed as exaggerated or politically motivated, it created several challenges and showed the negative intentions of some Western actors toward destabilizing Nigeria. Such statements can worsen religious sentiments, create unnecessary panic, and be exploited by extremist groups for propaganda.

These baseless allegations by Mr. Trump led Nigeria to immediately dispatch a high-level delegation, including the National Security Adviser and Service Chiefs, to deny the claim. This diverted national attention from pressing domestic challenges.

President Tinubu cancelled his attendance at the G20 Summit in South Africa, delegating his Vice President instead—another sign that insecurity and diplomatic crises can disrupt national leadership functions.

Insecurity limits free movement, political rallies, community engagements, and voter education. Entire regions may experience voter suppression due to fear. When citizens lose confidence in the government’s ability to provide security, democratic institutions weaken.

Some political actors may use insecurity narratives to discredit opponents or justify unconstitutional actions. Calls for separation or hostility between groups further erode national cohesion.

Accordingly, widespread school closures, teachers’ fear of working in remote communities, parents withdrawing children from school, and the severe impact on girls’ education all point to the same conclusion: a nation cannot advance when its schools are regularly shut down due to insecurity.

The rising formidability of non-state actors is a direct challenge to Nigeria’s sovereignty, unity, and democracy. When armed groups dictate community life, force schools to close, or influence political decisions, the core of nationhood is undermined.

However, this crisis is not insurmountable. With decisive political will, strategic investment in security, and a renewed commitment to national unity, Nigeria can reclaim its authority and secure a stable democratic future.

Nigeria’s survival depends on strengthening its institutions, restoring public trust, and ensuring that no armed group becomes more powerful than the state.