Tension is rising within Nigeria’s security operations as police officers deployed to fight insurgency in Kwara State say they have been left to suffer without basic support—raising fears that the fight against terror could weaken from within.
The affected personnel, drawn from different states and working under the Nigeria Police Force, revealed that they have not received their duty allowances for over three months. These officers are part of a joint operation alongside the military, targeting the activities of the Lakurawa armed group in the region.
According to multiple accounts, the lack of payment has pushed many of them into harsh living conditions. Some officers say they struggle to afford food, while others report falling sick due to poor welfare and exhaustion. The frustration has reached a point where some are openly considering withdrawing from operations if nothing changes.
The group they are fighting, Lakurawa, is believed to have links with the Islamic State Sahel Province and has reportedly spread across parts of Mali, Niger, and northern Nigeria. Their presence in states like Kebbi, Niger, Sokoto, and Kwara has led to rising insecurity, with communities frequently attacked.
Over the past year, the impact has been severe. Reports indicate that more than 100 people have been killed across Kwara North and South, while over 300 residents have been kidnapped. Entire communities have been displaced, forcing many to flee toward Ilorin in search of safety.
One officer, speaking anonymously, described the situation in deeply emotional terms. He claimed that officers have been abandoned without food, proper shelter, or even enough ammunition. According to him, morale is dangerously low, with many feeling “confused, depressed, and destabilised.”
Another officer went further, expressing anger and distrust toward authorities. He alleged that the government has failed to respond even after deadly attacks that claimed the lives of security personnel. The officer warned that continuing under such conditions feels like risking their lives without purpose or support.
What makes the situation more alarming is the growing threat level. Officers claim that the armed groups they are confronting are equipped with advanced weapons, including drones and heavy machine guns. This imbalance, combined with poor welfare, has left many feeling exposed and vulnerable on the frontlines.
The crisis follows a particularly brutal attack in early February 2026, when armed extremists stormed communities like Woro and Nuku. Dozens were killed, over 170 people abducted, and homes and markets destroyed—leaving survivors with lasting trauma and entire villages in ruins.
At the heart of it all is a troubling question: how can security forces effectively protect civilians when those meant to defend them feel neglected, unpaid, and increasingly unwilling to continue the fight?