The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) on Tuesday warned that “Nigeria is at a breaking point,” declaring that the country is sliding deeper into insecurity, economic hardship, and democratic erosion.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, the Executive Director of CHRICED, Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, painted a grim picture of the nation’s condition, saying Nigerians are “grappling with fear, hunger, disillusionment, and a broken social contract.”
CHRICED Executive Director said Nigeria is facing what he described as “an undeclared war,” adding that insecurity across the country has reached alarming proportions.
“Nigeria is experiencing a security breakdown so severe that it threatens the very foundation of the republic,” Zikirullahi said.
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Zikirullahi noted that since January 2026, “more than 1,100 people have been abducted, while countless civilians and security personnel have been killed,” stressing that no region of the country is immune.
“From Boko Haram and ISWAP in the Northeast to banditry in the Northwest and North Central, and rising criminality in the South, Nigeria is now surrounded by expanding geographies of violence,” he said.
The CHRICED boss also condemned recent killings in Plateau, Benue, and Borno States, describing them as evidence of “a nation overwhelmed by violence and impunity.”
“The Plateau massacres, the Benue killings, and even tragic military errors such as the April 11 airstrike that reportedly killed civilians all point to a deep systemic security failure,” Zikirullahi stated.
He further cited the killing of a senior military officer in Borno as “a chilling symbol of collapsing security architecture.” “If a Brigadier can be ambushed and killed, what hope remains for ordinary Nigerians?” he asked.
Zikirullahi also criticized what he called “symbolism without substance” in government responses to national tragedies.
“Symbolic visits without empathy cannot replace policy. Nigerians deserve action, not photo opportunities,” he said.
On governance and civic space, he warned that Nigeria’s democracy is under threat from shrinking freedoms and intimidation of dissenting voices.
“Journalists are working under threats, civil society is under pressure, and accountability is being weakened,” he said, adding that “freedom of expression is the oxygen of democracy.”
The CHRICED Executive Director also raised concerns about corruption and governance ethics, alleging a growing trend where individuals facing serious allegations are rewarded with public office.
“When individuals who should be answering to the law are instead elevated, it sends a dangerous message that integrity is optional,” Zikirullahi said.
He further decried worsening economic conditions, noting that inflation, unemployment, and rising costs of living have pushed millions of Nigerians into poverty.
“Parents are skipping meals, children are dropping out of school, and families are being crushed under economic pressure,” he said.
Zikirullahi called for urgent reforms across security, governance, and economic management, urging government to prioritize citizens’ welfare over political optics.
“Nigeria’s renewal requires courage, accountability, and a complete rethinking of governance,” he declared.
CHRICED also issued recommendations to government, political parties, INEC, the judiciary, civil society, media, citizens, and the international community, calling for institutional reforms, protection of civic space, and stronger accountability mechanisms.
He warned that Nigeria stands at a defining crossroads. “This is not a time for silence. It is a time for truth, courage, and conscience,” Zikirullahi said, adding that, “Nigeria stands at a breaking point, but not beyond redemption.”