Navigating the crisis of insecurity in Nigeria’s heartland
A region under siege
The Southeast geopolitical zone of Nigeria, comprising Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States, is facing an existential threat that continues to erode its social fabric and economic foundations. Once revered for its entrepreneurial spirit, peaceful communities, and vibrant culture, the region is now entangled in a disturbing wave of insecurity. From kidnapping and armed robbery to politically motivated violence, the Southeast is gradually transforming into a theater of fear.
The rising menace of kidnapping and armed robbery
Insecurity in the Southeast is no longer sporadic, it has become a grim daily reality. Between May 2023 and April 2024, Nigeria recorded over 2.2 million kidnapping incidents, with the Southeast accounting for a disproportionately high number of them. The region has now become one of the most dangerous for travelers, residents, and even public officials.
A chilling reminder of this danger unfolded in October 2024 when six crew members of South Africa’s SuperSport television network were abducted in Anambra State while en route to cover an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. Though they were eventually rescued, the incident sent shockwaves across the country and beyond, underlining the depth of the crisis.
Armed robbery is also on the rise. Heavily armed gangs now operate with impunity, mounting daylight attacks on highways, financial institutions, and marketplaces. Businesses are routinely extorted, and private citizens live under constant threat. The fear of violence has seeped into everyday life, creating an atmosphere of paranoia and distrust.
A bleeding economy
The economic cost of this insecurity is devastating. The Southeast, a region historically known for trade, commerce, and manufacturing, is fast losing its appeal to investors and tourists. Small and medium-scale enterprises are shutting down due to operational difficulties, while multinational companies are relocating to safer regions.
Logistics, once the backbone of the region’s economic prowess, has become a nightmare. Transportation of goods is routinely disrupted by criminal checkpoints and ambushes. Local markets, especially those along inter-state routes, have suffered immense decline. The hospitality and tourism industries, which once held promise, are gasping for survival.
Meanwhile, the cost of doing business has surged. Companies and residents are forced to invest heavily in private security, which further burdens already strained finances. Education is also affected—schools have been forced to shut down or operate in fear, while parents constantly worry about the safety of their children.
Underlying causes: A web of neglect and frustration
The root causes of the insecurity in the Southeast are complex but interconnected. Chronic youth unemployment and underemployment leave millions vulnerable to manipulation and crime. Many young people have lost faith in the promise of a better future, making them easy recruits for criminal gangs or separatist militias.
Equally troubling is the sense of political and infrastructural neglect by the federal government. Many residents believe the region is deliberately marginalized in national development conversations, further fueling resentment and alienation. The proliferation of illegal arms, poor policing, a sluggish justice system, and the absence of a coordinated regional security architecture have worsened the situation.
The way forward: A call to action
To rescue the Southeast, stakeholders at all levels must act—decisively and in unity. The following interventions are crucial:
1. Security reinforcement: Federal and state governments must invest in intelligence-driven security operations. More boots on the ground are needed—trained, equipped, and adequately motivated. Special Forces trained in counter-insurgency and hostage rescue operations should be deployed strategically.
2. Youth empowerment and job creation: Economic revival is essential. Targeted youth empowerment programs, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship grants, and tech hubs must be established to redirect young energy towards productive ventures.
3. Community-based policing: Security cannot be achieved without the support of local communities. Community policing, backed by technology and traditional institutions, must be prioritized. Vigilante groups should be restructured, regulated, and trained to work alongside formal security agencies.
4. Swift justice and legal reforms: The current legal process is slow and often compromised. Fast-track courts should be established to handle kidnapping, armed robbery, and violent crime cases, ensuring timely justice and deterrence.
5. Regional security cooperation: Governors of Southeast states must set aside political differences and form a unified regional security network. Intelligence sharing, joint patrols, and coordinated responses will be more effective than isolated state interventions.
6. Federal engagement and equity: The federal government must address the real and perceived marginalization of the Southeast. Inclusion in national appointments, infrastructure development, and policy planning will go a long way in healing regional grievances and restoring trust.
Conclusion: Who will rescue the Southeast?
The question—“Who will rescue the Southeast?”—is not rhetorical. It is a clarion call to leaders, stakeholders, and citizens. It is a plea for justice, equity, and security. The Southeast cannot continue to bleed while the rest of the nation looks away.
The solution lies not in assigning blame but in galvanizing collective action. Governments must lead with purpose. Communities must speak with one voice. Youth must be empowered, not exploited. And above all, peace must be reclaimed—not through force alone, but through justice, development, and inclusion.
The time to act is now. The destiny of the Southeast—and its promise—hangs in the balance. Will Nigeria rise to the occasion, or will it allow another region to slip into chaos?
Only time, and our collective resolve, will tell.
By Chukwuma Ambrose Ohaka
May 18, 2025
OBLONG MEDIA UNLIMITED 
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