Public commentator Mahdi Shehu recently asserted that Nigeria’s escalating insecurity transcends ethnic and religious divides, implicating individuals from diverse backgrounds. In a post on X, Shehu argued that criminality is widespread across Nigeria, citing examples of involvement from various ethnic groups and religious affiliations in different forms of security threats.
Shehu highlighted the heterogeneous composition of groups involved in violence and crime, from Boko Haram fighters to ISWAP cells, bandits, and perpetrators of kidnapping, crude-oil theft, cyber-fraud, and drug trafficking. He further noted the diversity of the prison population, reflecting the widespread nature of criminal involvement across tribes, religions, and socioeconomic classes.
Shehu pointed out that no section of the country can claim innocence, emphasizing that individual and collective responsibility is crucial to Nigeria’s fate. He condemned the tendency to honor individuals despite their alleged criminal activities, suggesting a need for greater accountability across all communities.
