Nigeria's Highways of Fear: A Nation Under Siege

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Nigeria's Highways of Fear: A Nation Under Siege

By Hon. Daniel Asekhame

There was a time in Nigeria when the mere mention of notorious armed robbers sent fear across the country. Names like Dr. Ishola Oyenusi and Lawrence Anini became synonymous with violent crime. Their exploits dominated newspaper headlines, and their eventual capture gave Nigerians hope that law enforcement could prevail over criminality.

Today, however, the security landscape has changed dramatically. The fear that once centred on a handful of armed robbers has evolved into a nationwide crisis involving armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, and attacks on innocent travellers. For many Nigerians, embarking on a journey by road has become an exercise in faith rather than a routine means of transportation.

During the 1970s and 1980s, armed robbery was the country's greatest security concern. Criminals such as Dr. Ishola Oyenusi and Lawrence Anini terrorized communities and highways, but their operations were relatively localized compared to the widespread insecurity confronting Nigeria today. Despite their notoriety, the government eventually dismantled their criminal networks through intelligence gathering, determined policing, and the enforcement of the law.

The situation today is far more alarming. Criminal gangs have established camps in forests, operate across state boundaries, and launch coordinated attacks on highways with little regard for human life. Travellers are abducted in broad daylight, families are forced to pay huge ransoms for the release of loved ones, while those unable to pay often face tragic consequences.

The impact extends beyond the victims. Farmers can no longer cultivate their lands without fear of attack. Commercial transport operators avoid certain routes. Businesses incur enormous security costs, and investors hesitate to commit resources to areas plagued by violence. The nation's economy suffers as insecurity continues to disrupt agriculture, commerce, and tourism.

Many Nigerians now question how the country reached this point. Several factors have contributed to the worsening situation, including unemployment, poverty, the proliferation of illegal firearms, weak intelligence systems, corruption, and the inability of the criminal justice system to ensure swift prosecution of offenders. These challenges have enabled criminal groups to expand their operations and recruit vulnerable youths into organized crime.

Yet history offers an important lesson. Nigeria once defeated notorious criminals who appeared untouchable. The successful apprehension of Ishola Oyenusi and Lawrence Anini demonstrated that criminality can be overcome when government institutions act decisively and in a coordinated manner.

The current insecurity demands an even broader response. Strengthening intelligence gathering, equipping security agencies with modern technology, improving interstate cooperation, securing forests and highways, reforming the justice system, and creating meaningful employment opportunities for young people must become national priorities.

Security is the bedrock of every prosperous nation. Without safety, economic development remains elusive, public confidence declines, and national unity is weakened.

Nigeria possesses the resources, institutions, and capable personnel needed to restore law and order. What is required is unwavering political will, accountability, and sustained collaboration between government, security agencies, and citizens.

The highways that once connected Nigerians should no longer be roads of fear. They must once again become safe routes for commerce, education, tourism, and family life. That is the responsibility of every government and the expectation of every Nigerian.

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