Public affairs commentator Mahdi Shehu has strongly criticised the Nigerian government's approach to insecurity, arguing that ongoing negotiations, concessions, and amnesty programmes for criminal groups are directly responsible for the escalating wave of killings across the country.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, April 10, 2026, Shehu highlighted a disturbing surge in violence, particularly from February 2026 onwards.
“Since November 2025, and more significantly from February 2026 to date, there appears to be a geometric increase in the number of Nigerians killed daily across the country,” he said.
He noted that the attacks, which target both civilians and security forces, show no signs of abating and appear deliberate and systematic.
Shehu pointed to the overstretched and under-equipped state of Nigeria’s security agencies as a major contributing factor.“All security agencies are overstretched, insufficient in number, and poorly equipped compared to the weaponry in the hands of criminal gangs,” he stated.
Root Cause:
Appeasement Policies
According to Shehu, the core issue lies in government policies that effectively reward criminal behaviour.
He called for an immediate end to negotiations and amnesty programmes, describing them as counterproductive appeasement.
“These senseless and orchestrated killings will only be curtailed when governments at all levels stop engaging in what amounts to appeasement and begin to treat criminal elements as such,” he emphasised.
He further urged authorities and traditional institutions to stop granting amnesty, titles, or public recognition to known criminals, bandits, and murderers.
Broader Systemic FailuresShehu extended his criticism to the wider political system, linking insecurity to electoral malpractice, judicial compromises, and a culture of rewarding wrongdoing.
He called for:An end to the use of thugs in elections and ensuring votes truly count.
Judicial independence that reflects the will of the people.
Visible justice, equity, and fairness for all citizens, regardless of status, ethnicity, or belief.
An end to bestowing national honours and appointments on individuals with records of criminality, including arson, drug abuse, and financial misconduct.
Call to Action for Citizens
The commentator urged Nigerians to move beyond apathy and actively participate in governance, stressing that real change requires a functioning democracy rooted in justice, equity, and accountability not a transactional or authoritarian system.
“True progress will only come when democracy operates as it should... Anything less will amount to a wild goose chase,” Shehu concluded.
This latest intervention comes amid continued reports of banditry, kidnappings, and attacks in various parts of Nigeria.
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