# Nigeria: Escalating insecurity and political pressure

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nigeria-senate-unity-and-insecurity-response
> Updated: 2026-08-08T23:05:00.000Z. Sources: 82. Developments: 51.

Throughout 2026, Nigeria faced escalating insecurity and economic hardship, prompting widespread calls for government reform. Religious leaders, including Pastor Enoch Adeboye and the Catholic Bishops Conference, have urged decisive action against kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism, with some calling for a state of emergency.

Legislative action has focused on security and political restructuring. The Senate adopted resolutions to suspend the government’s terrorist rehabilitation programme, arguing it allows insurgents to evade justice, and directed agencies to crack down on criminal activity broadcast on social media. Meanwhile, debates continue regarding the establishment of state police, a move supported by some but condemned by the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).

Political pressure has intensified ahead of the 2027 elections. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has repeatedly demanded President Bola Tinubu’s resignation, citing a humanitarian crisis where 17 million people face acute hunger and 60% of the population lives below the poverty line. Civil society, youth groups, and prominent figures like Wole Soyinka have also criticized the administration for perceived democratic backsliding and failure to address extrajudicial killings.

In response to rising violence, the military and government have emphasized the need for better intelligence, improved media cooperation to combat misinformation, and the potential for embedding journalists with troops to ensure transparency. However, the security situation remains dire, with reports of increasing attacks on security personnel and the continued growth of a sophisticated ransom economy.

## Claims

- Kenneth Okonkwo urged President Bola Tinubu to resign before the 2027 general election. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Wole Soyinka called on President Tinubu to reopen investigations into unresolved extrajudicial killings and end impunity. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Okonkwo said Tinubu's administration has failed to address worsening insecurity in Nigeria. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Okonkwo cited massacres in Plateau and Benue states and beheadings in Oyo state as examples of insecurity. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Okonkwo recounted that a worker's mother was kidnapped in Kaduna State, ransom demanded, and her fingers were broken when the ransom was not paid. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Okonkwo said the Federal High Court judgment deregistering the ADC was intended to frustrate opposition and “coronate” Tinubu. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Kenneth Okonkwo called for President Bola Tinubu to resign before the 2027 election. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Wole Soyinka urged Tinubu to reopen investigations into unresolved assassinations and extrajudicial killings, naming victims such as Deborah Samuel and Mene Ogidi. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Wole Soyinka urged President Tinubu to reopen investigations into unresolved extrajudicial killings. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Okonkwo recounted that a worker’s mother was kidnapped in Kaduna, ransom demanded, and two fingers were broken when the demand was not met. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Okonkwo cited massacres in Plateau and Benue and beheadings in Oyo as examples of ongoing insecurity. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The National Christian Elders Forum urged President Tinubu to abandon his 2027 re‑election bid and reject the Muslim‑Muslim ticket, citing security, economic and welfare failures. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Okonkwo cited mass killings in Plateau and Benue, beheadings in Oyo, and a kidnapping in Kaduna where abductors demanded ransom and broke two fingers of the victim’s mother. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Okonkwo criticized President Tinubu's defence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and called for electoral reforms. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The ADC asked Tinubu to apply the Oriire rescue strategy to kidnapping victims in Kwara, Borno and other states. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The National Christian Elders Forum called on President Tinubu to abandon his 2027 re‑election bid. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- President Tinubu’s recent speech shifted from discussing security threats to reciting the national anthem, drawing criticism. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The National Christian Elders Forum called on President Tinubu to abandon his 2027 re‑election bid, citing security, economic and welfare failures. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- A Federal High Court judgment deregistering the ADC was overturned; Okonkwo said the judgment was intended to frustrate opposition ahead of the 2027 election. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- President Tinubu’s recent speech shifted from discussing security to reciting the national anthem, drawing public criticism. (single source)
- Ayo Oritsejafor urged President Tinubu not to seek re‑election, citing governance failures. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-08: Nigerian religious leaders call for action on security and poverty

Nigerian religious leaders, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and over 70 bishops, are calling for urgent action to address the country's worsening security crisis and poverty.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerian-religious-leaders-call-for-action-on-security-and-poverty

### 2026-07-31: President Bola Tinubu Faces Calls to Resign Over Security and Human‑Rights Criticism Ahead of 2027 Election

President Bola Tinubu is urged by opposition leaders, religious elders and Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka to resign or drop his 2027 re‑election bid, citing security failures, economic hardship and unresolved extr

27 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-president-bola-tinubu-urged-to-resign-by-adc-chieftain-kenneth-okonkwo

### 2026-07-21: Kaduna ADC factions unite after leadership dispute

ADC leaders in Kaduna reconciled under Isa Ashiru, ending a factional split, while former chieftain Salihu Lukman quit the party citing hostile treatment from Governor El‑Rufai.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kaduna-adc-factions-unite-after-leadership-dispute

### 2026-07-20: Nigeria Senate Halts Terrorist Rehabilitation and Pardon Program

Nigeria's Senate voted to suspend the controversial terrorist rehabilitation and pardon program, citing security failures and recent abductions.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-senate-halts-terrorist-rehabilitation-and-pardon-program

### 2026-07-18: Nigeria's ADC Demands Tinubu Resign Amid Widespread Poverty and Internal Party Rift

Nigeria's ADC urges President Tinubu to resign over poverty affecting 60% of citizens, while the party faces internal leadership disputes involving El‑Rufai and other rivals.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-adc-demands-tinubu-resign-amid-widespread-poverty-and-internal-party-rift

### 2026-07-16: Nigeria Pentecostal leaders urge action on insecurity and political engagement

Nigerian pastors Femi Emmanuel and Enoch Adeboye urged Pentecostal leaders to move beyond preaching, calling for grassroots political participation and practical solutions to insecurity such as kidnapping and ​

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-pentecostal-leaders-urge-action-on-insecurity-and-political-engagement

### 2026-07-14: Nigerian Military Calls for End to Social Media Misinformation

Nigeria’s Army and Air Force urged the public to stop spreading false social‑media narratives, saying it harms troop morale and can aid terrorists, and called for reliance on verified official statements.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerian-military-calls-for-end-to-social-media-misinformation

### 2026-07-10: Nigeria's Defence HQ teams with journalists to curb fake news

Nigeria's Defence Headquarters and the Office of the National Security Adviser have renewed a partnership with the Defence Correspondents Association to combat misinformation, promising regular briefings, media

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-defence-hq-teams-with-journalists-to-curb-fake-news

### 2026-07-10: Nigeria Christian leaders call for unity to confront rising insecurity

Dr Paul Enenche urged Nigerian Christians to unite at an Abuja assembly, citing high death tolls from attacks and calling for joint action under the “One For Nigeria” initiative.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-christian-leaders-call-for-unity-to-confront-rising-insecurity

### 2026-07-09: Nigeria's Tambuwal calls for security priority over politics, warns of APC pressure

Former Sokoto governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal urged President Tinubu to prioritize security over politics, donated aid to displaced families, and criticised the APC while urging politicians to join the ADC.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-tambuwal-calls-for-security-priority-over-politics-warns-of-apc-pressure

### 2026-07-08: Nigeria House pushes to end ransom economy and demand President Tinubu’s appearance

Nigeria’s House urged President Tinubu to curb a ₦2.23 trillion ransom economy and, amid budget delays, demanded his appearance to resolve funding issues.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-house-of-representatives-urges-president-tinubu-to-end-ransom-cash-economy

### 2026-07-07: Nigeria Senate Calls to End Boko Haram Rehabilitation Programme

Nigeria’s Senate voted to halt the government’s Boko Haram rehabilitation and pardon programme, citing rising attacks including the killing of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar and urging a meeting with Pres

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-senate-calls-for-end-to-boko-haram-rehabilitation-programme

### 2026-07-07: Nigeria faces deepening security crisis as misinformation fuels violence and calls for inclusive peace

Nigeria’s security crisis, intensified by social‑media misinformation and deadly communal violence, prompted President Tinubu to call for inclusive policies in Plateau to restore peace.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-faces-deepening-security-crisis-as-misinformation-fuels-violence-and-calls-for-inclusive-pea

### 2026-07-06: Nigeria's Tinubu Government Blamed for 17 Million Facing Hunger, ADC Says

UN WFP reports over 17 million Nigerians in nine northern states face acute hunger; the African Democratic Congress blames President Tinubu’s policies and calls for food‑security reforms.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-tinubu-government-blamed-for-17-million-facing-hunger-adc-says

### 2026-07-04: Nigeria's Pastor Adeboye Defended After Misinterpreted Security Comments

RCCG pastor Johnson Odesola says Pastor Enoch Adeboye's remarks on insecurity were misinterpreted and not a defence of President Tinubu, urging a fair hearing and collective action.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-pastor-adeboye-defended-after-misinterpreted-security-comments

### 2026-07-03: Nigeria Defence Chief Urges Stronger Global Security Cooperation at African Chiefs Conference

Nigerian Defence Chief Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, at the African Chiefs of Defence Conference in Angola, urged stronger regional intelligence, border management and anti‑terror financing, praising the U.S.‑Nigeria b

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-defence-chief-urges-stronger-global-security-cooperation-at-african-chiefs-conference

### 2026-07-03: Nigerian actress Clarion Chukwura urges President Tinubu to arm vigilante groups amid security crisis

Actress Clarion Chukwura appealed to President Tinubu to fund armed community vigilantes and school security as a short‑term fix while Nigeria’s state police rollout takes 1‑2 years.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerian-actress-clarion-chukwura-urges-president-tinubu-to-arm-vigilante-groups-amid-security-crisi

### 2026-06-26: Nigeria Police rule out recruitment of repentant Boko Haram militants

Nigeria Police Deputy Inspector‑General Isyaku Mohammed said the force will not recruit repentant Boko Haram militants or ex‑criminals, warned community leaders against endorsing them, and announced a joint Kw4

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-police-rule-out-recruitment-of-repentant-boko-haram-militants

### 2026-06-25: Nigeria's PRP rejects Tinubu's plan for state police

Nigeria’s PRP calls on the public to reject President Tinubu’s state police proposal, saying the administration lacks credibility and urging a delay until after the next elections.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-prp-rejects-tinubus-plan-for-state-police

### 2026-06-25: Nigeria's Information Minister Demands Media Downplay Banditry Coverage

Nigeria's Information Minister Idris Mohammed and security chief Adeola Ajayi urged journalists to downplay banditry coverage on June 19, raising concerns over press freedom amidst rising insecurity.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-information-minister-demands-media-downplay-banditry-coverage

### 2026-06-25: Nigerian Singer Spyro Criticizes Clergy for Profiting from Insecurity

Nigerian singer Spyro claims clergy profit from insecurity, urging them to address security, give electoral education, and be held accountable.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerian-singer-spyro-criticizes-clergy-for-profiting-from-insecurity

### 2026-06-24: Nigeria Police Force bans recruitment of repentant terrorists and restricts officers' social media use

Nigeria Police officials say the force will not hire repentant terrorists and have banned officers from unauthorized social‑media activity, urging strict compliance.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-police-force-bans-recruitment-of-repentant-terrorists-and-restricts-officers-social-media-us

### 2026-06-23: Nigeria Police Force bans officers from TikTok, Facebook and other social media

Nigeria’s police chief ordered a ban on officers’ unauthorised TikTok, Facebook and other social‑media activity, with penalties up to dismissal.

21 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-police-force-bans-officers-from-creating-content-on-tiktok-facebook-and-other-platforms

### 2026-06-21: Nigeria's presidential adviser urges citizens to hold governors accountable

Daniel Bwala, adviser to President Tinubu, urged Nigerians via X to hold state governors accountable, emphasizing federalism and the need for state assemblies to oversee federal allocations such as ₦600 million

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-presidential-adviser-urges-citizens-to-hold-governors-accountable

### 2026-06-21: Nigeria security forces face rising attacks as senior officers killed

Nigeria's insecurity has deepened as bandits and terrorists target uniformed forces, killing 16 senior officers since 2016 and threatening civilians and public places.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-security-forces-face-rising-attacks-as-senior-officers-killed

### 2026-06-18: Nigeria Government Moves to Embed Journalists with Military and Curtail Terrorist Front‑Page Coverage

Nigeria’s government urges journalists to downplay terrorist coverage and is studying a plan to embed reporters with troops to boost security reporting and public trust.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-defense-ministry-to-embed-journalists-in-military-operations

### 2026-06-17: Nigeria’s Catholic Bishops and Sultan of Sokoto Urge Government to Tackle Rising Insecurity

Nigeria’s Catholic bishops and the Sultan of Sokoto called on President Bola Tinubu to intensify security measures, citing daily attacks by Boko Haram, bandits and kidnappers and urging collective action and祈祈祈

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-catholic-bishops-and-sultan-of-sokoto-urge-government-to-tackle-rising-insecurity

### 2026-06-16: Nigeria intensifies crackdown on kidnappers and bandits after arrests and killings

Nigeria’s leaders ramp up security actions: Edo Governor Okpebholo threatens execution and sets up a fast‑track court for kidnappers, while President Tinubu warns criminals after troops kill a Kogi bandit king‑

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-intensifies-crackdown-on-kidnappers-and-bandits-after-arrests-and-killings

### 2026-06-15: Nigeria President Tinubu urged to overhaul security and federal structure

Former officials Dangiwa Umar and Obiageli Ezekwesili urged President Tinubu to address Nigeria’s security crisis, poverty and to restructure the federation, warning state police alone won’t solve the problem.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-president-tinubu-urged-to-overhaul-security-and-federal-structure

### 2026-06-15: Nigeria's worsening insecurity draws church condemnation and calls for victim‑focused policies

Nigeria’s bishop decries soaring inflation, joblessness and rampant violence, urging government action, while critics say officials lack moral authority to forgive insurgency victims on behalf of the nation.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-worsening-insecurity-draws-church-condemnation-and-calls-for-victimfocused-policies

### 2026-06-14: Nigeria's Senior Figures Warn of Deepening Crisis amid Insecurity and Economic Hardship

Ten senior Nigerians, including ex‑INEC chair Prof. Attahiru Jega and former chief of staff Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, warned of worsening insecurity, economic hardship and eroding public trust.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-senior-figures-warn-of-deepening-crisis-amid-insecurity-and-economic-hardship

### 2026-06-14: Nigeria's leaders link insecurity to political rivals while unveiling South‑East development plan

Nigeria’s Senate President accuses Tinubu’s foes of funding insecurity, while the president’s budget and a new South‑East Development Commission plan focus on poverty reduction and post‑war reconstruction.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-leaders-link-insecurity-to-political-rivals-while-unveiling-southeast-development-plan

### 2026-06-13: Nigeria Defence Minister blames global wars for arms shortage, urges local production

Nigeria’s Defence Minister Christopher Musa said wars in Israel, Iran, the US, Russia and Ukraine are choking arms imports, pushing for local weapons production and a national database to aid policing.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-defence-minister-blames-global-wars-for-arms-shortage-urges-local-production

### 2026-06-12: Nigeria’s Democracy Day Speakers Emphasize Citizen Participation and Legislative Accountability

Nigeria’s Democracy Day 2026 featured Speaker Emomotimi Dennis Guwor urging greater accountability, transparency and grassroots participation from citizens and state legislators.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-democracy-day-speakers-emphasize-citizen-participation-and-legislative-accountability

### 2026-06-12: Nigeria Democracy Day speeches call for security, global opportunity

Nigeria's Democracy Day leaders urged greater security and global economic opportunities, linking democratic stability to investment and wealth creation.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-democracy-day-speeches-call-for-security-global-opportunity

### 2026-06-12: Nigeria President Bola Tinubu urges bandits to surrender as Afenifere warns of instability

President Tinubu urged bandits to surrender, citing security gains, while Afenifere warned Nigeria of dangerous instability and urged stronger action against armed groups.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-president-bola-tinubu-urges-bandits-to-surrender-as-afenifere-warns-of-instability

### 2026-06-11: Nigeria Defence Minister urges public unity and better data to curb insecurity

Nigeria’s defence leaders say security forces are victims, urge public cooperation, better data, tech and prayers to fight terrorism and banditry.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-defence-minister-christopher-musa-urges-unity-amid-insecurity-and-launches-youth-mobilisatio

### 2026-06-11: Nigeria protests over insecurity and hardship prompt Arewa Youth warning to activist

Mass protests in Lagos and Abuja demand action on insecurity, kidnappings and rising costs, while Arewa Youth leader warns activist to move demonstrations out of northern Nigeria.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-protests-erupt-over-insecurity-and-rising-living-costs

### 2026-06-11: Nigerian Clergy Call on Citizens to End Political Apathy and Bandit‑Related Scams

Nigerian religious leaders urged citizens to confront political indifference, mobilise votes and reject bandit‑run scams, highlighting insecurity and calls for accountability.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerian-clergy-call-on-citizens-to-end-political-apathy-and-banditrelated-scams

### 2026-06-11: Nigeria Senate limits warrant power and Akpabio urges APC to reconsider primary losers

Nigeria's Senate ruled only its President can issue arrest warrants, rejecting a move against ex‑NNPC chief Mele Kyari; meanwhile Senate President Akpabio urged the APC to reconsider about 50 lawmakers who lost

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-senate-limits-warrant-power-and-akpabio-urges-apc-to-reconsider-primary-losers

### 2026-06-11: Nigeria's Democracy Day protests demand action on insecurity, poverty and democratic reforms

Nigeria's Democracy Day protests on June 12 saw civil groups, Falana, Falz and others demand action on insecurity, release of captives, economic hardship and democratic reforms.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-civil-society-calls-nationwide-june-12-protest-over-insecurity-and-hardship

### 2026-06-10: Nigeria's President Tinubu urged to declare national security emergency amid rising violence

Nigeria's Northern Elders Forum urged President Tinubu to declare a national security emergency, citing widespread kidnappings, banditry and terror that threaten agriculture, the economy and public safety.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-president-tinubu-urged-to-declare-national-security-emergency-amid-rising-violence

### 2026-06-10: Nigeria Shariah Council Urges Government to Act on Worsening Insecurity

Nigeria’s Supreme Council for Shariah demanded urgent federal action to curb escalating killings, kidnappings, terrorism and banditry, citing attacks across several states and over 1,000 abductions in early 202

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-shariah-council-urges-government-to-act-on-worsening-insecurity

### 2026-06-10: Nigerian Senate orders crackdown on bandits posting cash giveaways on TikTok

Nigeria's Senate ordered security agencies to track and arrest bandits who flaunt cash giveaways on TikTok, urging cyber‑crime units to act and warning that political opponents may be fueling insecurity.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerian-senate-orders-crackdown-on-bandits-posting-cash-giveaways-on-tiktok

### 2026-06-09: Nigeria Youths and Civil Society Urge Unified Action Against Insecurity

Nigerian youths marched in Abuja and a civil‑society coalition urged the government, traditional leaders and the private sector to unite against rising insecurity, terrorism and electoral abuses.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-youths-and-civil-society-urge-unified-action-against-insecurity

### 2026-06-09: Nigeria lawmakers demand aggressive action from President Tinubu to curb banditry and kidnappings

Nigeria’s House of Representatives urged President Tinubu to launch an aggressive anti‑bandit operation, warned service chiefs to resign if insecurity persists, and set a vote on a state police amendment.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-house-of-representatives-demands-service-chiefs-resign-over-worsening-insecurity

### 2026-06-06: Nigerian Leaders Urged to Act on Insecurity as Religious Figures Criticize Government

Religious leaders in Nigeria urged President Tinubu to address soaring insecurity, blaming unfulfilled promises and calling for emergency measures and fasting.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerian-leaders-urged-to-act-on-insecurity-as-religious-figures-criticize-government

### 2026-06-06: Nigeria religious leaders hold nationwide prayer rallies over worsening insecurity

Religious leaders in Nigeria, including a cleric in Akure and MFM’s Daniel Olukoya, led nationwide prayer rallies urging divine intervention amid rising kidnappings and insecurity.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-religious-leaders-hold-nationwide-prayer-rallies-over-worsening-insecurity

### 2026-06-06: Nigerian Senate President Akpabio Refutes Ticket Promise Claims for APC Primary Losers

Senate President Godswill Akpabio denied promises to secure tickets for APC primary losers, saying his remarks were empathy, not a guarantee, and affirming no party interference.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerian-senate-president-akpabio-refutes-ticket-promise-claims-for-apc-primary-losers

### 2026-06-03: Senate President Godswill Akpabio urges unity after Nigerian primary setbacks

Senate President Godswirl Akpabio reassured Nigerian senators after 40 lost primary tickets, promising leadership efforts to limit disappointments and hinting at political manoeuvres ahead of the 2027 elections

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senate-president-godswill-akpabio-urges-unity-after-nigerian-primary-setbacks

### 2026-06-02: Nigeria Senate leaders urge unity to combat rising insecurity

Nigerian Senate leaders, past and present, called for political unity to address insecurity, poverty and APC criticism ahead of upcoming elections.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-senate-leaders-urge-unity-to-combat-rising-insecurity

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Cite as: Nigeria: Escalating insecurity and political pressure. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nigeria-senate-unity-and-insecurity-response