Politics of Blood: How Power Struggles Fuel Insecurity in Nigeria

by Ukamaka John

For years, insecurity in Nigeria has been blamed only on terrorism, banditry, ethnic clashes, or religious extremism. But beneath many of these crises lies another dangerous force — politics driven by desperation for power.

In Nigeria, politics has gradually become a “do-or-die” affair where some politicians and their loyalists allegedly weaponize violence to weaken opponents, intimidate communities, influence elections, or destabilize regions for selfish gain. Entire villages have suffered while political elites continue their battles for control.

Human Rights Watch documented how political violence in Nigeria has led to hundreds of deaths, displacement of innocent citizens, and the recruitment of unemployed youths as political thugs. The report noted that many perpetrators often escape justice because powerful sponsors protect them.

According to experts, political tensions during elections often worsen existing insecurity across the country. Rival supporters attack one another, electoral offices are burned, and communities become battlegrounds. Reports from ACLED also revealed increasing attacks on electoral officials and political figures during election periods in Nigeria.

Across several northern communities, villages have been attacked repeatedly, leaving scores dead and homes destroyed. In Niger State, armed assailants invaded villages, killed residents, burned homes, and abducted people. In Kwara State, over 160 villagers were massacred in coordinated attacks, with survivors accusing authorities of ignoring earlier warnings.

Many Nigerians now believe insecurity is no longer just a failure of security agencies but also a reflection of political selfishness and poor governance. Some politicians are accused of sponsoring violence indirectly through armed groups, political thugs, propaganda, and ethnic division, all in pursuit of power.

The tragedy is that ordinary Nigerians pay the highest price. Farmers lose their lands, children lose parents, businesses collapse, and entire communities live in fear while political elites remain heavily protected.

Nigeria cannot overcome insecurity unless politics stops being treated as warfare. Leadership should be about service, not domination. When ambition becomes more valuable than human life, the nation bleeds.