Nigeria is made up of 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

However, the growing insecurity in parts of the country is becoming a serious national concern.

Insurgency and armed banditry remain heavily concentrated in several states, including Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Kwara, Kaduna, Niger, Gombe, Kogi, Bauchi, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kano. There are also increasing signs that these threats are spreading further into parts of the North Central region.

From current developments, it increasingly appears as though there are parallel authorities operating in some areas. Evidence suggests that groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP exert significant influence and control over certain territories. In some communities, reports indicate that these groups impose taxes on residents and even dictate terms during negotiations with government representatives.

If such conditions persist, it raises serious concerns about governance and democratic processes. In particular, the ability to conduct free, fair, and credible elections in affected states could be severely compromised if urgent and effective measures are not taken.

This situation calls for decisive action to restore security, protect citizens, and reaffirm the authority of the state across all regions.