Campaigning where insurgents and bandits operate means politics and security risks collide
If politicians aren’t careful, campaigns become recruitment grounds, targets, or flashpoints for violence.
SECURITY MEASURES POLITICIANS SHOULD TAKE
Before Campaigning
Security Risk Assessment
Work with DSS, Police, NSCDC, and community vigilantes to map hotspots. Know which wards/LGAs are high-risk that week.
Inform Security Agencies Early
Give 7-14 days notice to Police, Army, and traditional rulers. Don’t do surprise rallies
Engage Community Leaders, Meet the Emir, District Head, CDC, youth leaders first. They know the terrain and can vouch for you. Without their buy-in, you’re exposed.
Limit Night Travel
: Most attacks on rural roads happen 6pm-6am. Plan to be in and out before dark.
During Campaigns
Small, Decentralized Meetings
Instead of one big rally that attracts attention, do town-hall meetings, ward meetings, mosque/church visits. Harder to target.
Avoid Political Thugs
Don’t bring armed boys , It escalates tension and makes you a target for rival groups or bandits who think you have money.
Message of Peace
: Publicly condemn violence. Tell supporters no fighting, no provocation. Insurgents thrive on division.
No Cash Display
Don’t distribute large amounts of cash openly. It signals you have resources and attracts bandits.
Logistics & Personnel
Use Local Guides
Move with people who know safe routes and alternative exits.
Communication
Go with charged phones, radios, and share your location with your campaign manager and 1 security contact.
Medical/Emergency Plan
Have first aid and know the nearest hospital or army post.
WHAT POLITICIANS SHOULD ADVOCATE FOR
You can’t campaign safely if the state is failing. So use your campaign to push:
Joint Security Operations
Ask state , federal govt for temporary security deployments during election season in rural areas.
Community Policing
Fund and train local vigilantes/Hunters groups and integrate them with formal security.
INEC and Security Coordination
Push for INEC to relocate polling units from extremely unsafe areas and use technology like phone-line voting to reduce travel.
Disarmament ,DDR, Support programs that reintegrate repentant bandits so they’re not used as political thugs.
WHAT POLITICIANS MUST AVOID
Don’t Arm Supporters
Giving guns/motorcycles to immobilizers creates the next generation of bandits.
Don’t Politicize Security
Don’t accuse opponents of sponsoring bandits without proof. It worsens mistrust.
Don’t Ignore Warnings
If DSS/Police say an area is not safe, respect it. No election is worth lives.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Your safety as a candidate depends on community trust
If rural people see you as someone who only comes for votes, they won’t protect you.
If they see you as someone who has built boreholes, schools, or spoken for them in insecurity before, the community itself becomes your first line of defense.
Plan with security agencies, travel by day, keep events small, work through traditional leaders, and campaign on peace.
And most importantly: Don’t create the insecurity you’re trying to survive.
– Benjamin Ibrahim writes from Lokoja, Kogi state.
+2348069596250
