Nigeria’s security environment deteriorated significantly in the second quarter of 2026, with rising terrorist attacks, mass kidnappings, violent banditry, farmer-herder clashes, AI-driven disinformation and worsening economic hardship combining to pose a serious threat to national stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The warning is contained in the Second Quarter 2026 National Security and Stability Report released by the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC).

The report, based on sentiment analysis and perception monitoring conducted by the Centre’s Crisis Communication Hub (CCB), identified June as the most volatile month of the quarter, citing persistent insecurity, growing ethnic and religious tensions, widespread fake news and mounting public frustration over inflation and food insecurity.

Presenting the report in Abuja, Chairman of the Centre, retired Major General Chris Olukolade, said the country’s security landscape had deteriorated despite operational successes recorded by the Armed Forces and other security agencies.

According to the report, terrorist attacks, mass abductions, violent banditry, farmer-herder conflicts and the resurgence of extremist elements remained widespread during the quarter, while criminal groups continued to adapt their tactics in response to military operations.

The Centre said the security situation was further complicated by an unprecedented spread of fake news, manipulated multimedia content and artificial intelligence-generated disinformation capable of undermining public confidence in government institutions and security agencies.

It warned that coordinated misinformation campaigns and hate speech are becoming more dangerous as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections gather momentum.

The report also identified worsening economic conditions, persistent inflation and rising food insecurity as factors heightening public frustration and increasing social vulnerability across the country.

According to the Centre, restrictions on press freedom and the alleged misuse of existing laws against journalists also pose risks to democratic governance and public accountability.

The report expressed concern over what it described as the increasing weaponisation of ethnic and religious identities by some political actors, warning that divisive rhetoric is gradually eroding Nigeria’s gains in national integration and peaceful coexistence.

It warned that unless the trend is urgently addressed, it could inflame tensions and undermine national unity as the country moves closer to the 2027 general elections.

Despite acknowledging the rescue of abducted victims and the disruption of terrorist activities by security agencies, the Centre said the changing tactics of criminal groups require more coordinated, intelligence-led and technology-driven security responses.

Among its recommendations, the Centre urged the Federal Government to strengthen specialised training for security personnel, improve rescue operations and enhance operational readiness to respond more effectively to kidnappings and other security emergencies.

It also called on the media, public commentators and social media users to avoid sensational reporting of kidnapping incidents and security operations, warning that the publication of unverified information could compromise rescue efforts and give criminal groups undue publicity.

The Centre urged political leaders to refrain from exploiting ethnic and religious differences for political advantage, insisting that national unity must take precedence over partisan interests.

It also renewed its support for the establishment of state police, describing it as a critical component of broader security sector reforms.

According to the report, while there is growing public support for state policing, the constitutional and legal framework for its implementation should be concluded without unnecessary delay, with adequate safeguards to prevent abuse and ensure accountability.

The Centre called on government institutions, security agencies, political parties, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, the media and citizens to work together to combat misinformation, strengthen responsible public communication and promote national cohesion.

It stressed that addressing Nigeria’s increasingly complex security challenges requires a whole-of-society approach built on intelligence-led operations, professionalism, responsible leadership, strategic communication and active citizen participation.

The report warned that preserving national unity and preventing conflict must remain a national priority as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.