A recent surge in violent attacks across northern Nigeria has raised concerns about the escalating insecurity in the region. On Sunday, a community in Kogi State witnessed a drone being deployed by bandits, who subsequently attacked a church, abducting the pastor, his wife, and several congregants. This incident is part of a larger pattern of coordinated attacks that occurred over the weekend in four northern states, including Sokoto, Kwara, and Kano.
The use of a drone in the Kogi State attack marks a significant escalation in the tactics employed by armed groups in Nigeria. Security analysts believe that the device used was likely a commercial quadcopter, which can be purchased for between ₦1.5 million and ₦3 million. The drone’s capabilities, including terrain scanning and real-time video feed, have raised concerns about the group’s ability to gather intelligence and plan attacks.
The weekend’s attacks targeted various locations, including a church, a wedding ceremony, and farms. In Sokoto State, gunmen attacked a wedding ceremony, abducting the bride and several guests. In Kwara State, a monarch was abducted from his farm, with his captors demanding a ₦150 million ransom. These incidents have highlighted the vulnerability of communities in the region and the need for increased security measures.
The Nigerian government has faced criticism for its response to the attacks, with some accusing it of being slow to adapt to the evolving tactics of armed groups. The use of drones by bandits has exposed the limitations of the government’s current security strategy, which has relied heavily on ground-based operations. The establishment of a high-level team to engage with the United States on new security cooperation is a positive step, but experts warn that bureaucracy and slow diplomacy could hinder the effectiveness of this effort.
The attacks have also highlighted the economic motivations behind the violence. The demand for large ransoms, such as the ₦150 million demanded for the release of the monarch in Kwara State, has led to concerns that the payments are being used to fund further violence. The use of satellite internet services, such as Starlink, has also enabled bandits to bypass local telecom shutdowns and maintain communication with their networks.
The migration of armed groups from the North-west to the North-central region has contributed to the surge in violence. The “balloon effect” has led to the displacement of bandits from states such as Zamfara and Katsina, who are now seeking new territories in states such as Kogi and Kwara. The lack of effective security measures in these areas has created an environment conducive to the expansion of violent groups.
The significance of these attacks lies in their demonstration of the evolving capabilities of armed groups in Nigeria. The use of drones and other technologies has enabled these groups to plan and execute complex attacks, highlighting the need for a comprehensive security strategy that addresses the root causes of the violence. The Nigerian government must prioritize the development of effective security measures, including intelligence gathering and community engagement, to combat the growing threat posed by these groups.