Controversy Over Peace Negotiations

The security debate has also been complicated by renewed attention to negotiations with armed groups.

Videos circulating on social media reportedly show a large gathering involving community representatives and armed groups during peace discussions in Plateau State.

One of the figures identified in the footage is alleged to be Alo Alero, a wanted terrorist accused by authorities of involvement in killings and kidnappings across parts of north-western Nigeria.

The appearance of an alleged wanted terrorist at a peace meeting has generated questions about the government's broader strategy for dealing with banditry and terrorism.

Supporters of dialogue argue that negotiations can sometimes reduce violence and create openings for communities to recover. Critics, however, warn that negotiations without clear conditions, monitoring and accountability could allow armed groups to regroup or exploit the process.

The latest attacks underline the fact that Nigeria's security crisis cannot be solved solely through military operations.

Security experts and community leaders have repeatedly pointed to the importance of intelligence-led operations, local cooperation, effective policing, infrastructure, economic opportunities and stronger governance in vulnerable communities.

The Federal Government has also held peace and reconciliation engagements with Plateau stakeholders, while the state has sought greater coordination between communities and security agencies.

But repeated attacks demonstrate that peace initiatives must be accompanied by measurable improvements in security.

The deaths in Plateau and Sokoto are more than isolated security incidents. They are reminders that large parts of Nigeria remain exposed to armed groups capable of disrupting communities, destroying homes and taking lives.

The immediate priority is to establish the facts surrounding each attack, identify and prosecute those responsible, secure affected communities and provide meaningful support to survivors and displaced families.

The longer-term challenge is even greater: Nigeria must build a security system capable of preventing attacks rather than simply arriving after the violence has ended.

For communities living under the threat of recurring attacks, that is the difference between receiving condolences after a tragedy and actually feeling protected by the state.