Nigeria's Sovereignty Under Threat from Non-State Actors

The article by Osmund Agbo examines Nigeria's sovereignty amid rising insecurity and the influence of non-state actors, particularly in the northern regions. It critiques President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's security engagement with the United States, suggesting a disconnect between American interests and Nigeria's realities.

The piece emphasizes that Nigeria's sovereignty is compromised as non-state actors, such as the Islamic State, exert control over territories, notably in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states. The author argues that the absence of effective governance in these areas leads to a situation where citizens must negotiate survival with armed groups.

The article raises critical questions about the nature of sovereignty in Nigeria, suggesting that the presence of rival authorities undermines the state's legitimacy and control. It highlights the grim choices faced by citizens, who often prefer to deal with foreign state actors or non-state militias rather than the Nigerian government, reflecting a broader crisis of governance and security in the country.