Nigeria Security Crisis 2026: Insecurity Perception by Region — Survey Analysis

Published: June 2026 | Data Source: NigeriaPolls Insecurity Perception Survey (n=1,840, ±2.4% MoE)

Perception vs Reality

Nigeria faces a complex security landscape in 2026. But how safe do Nigerians actually feel? Our Insecurity Perception survey (n=1,840, ±2.4% MoE) reveals a significant gap between official security statistics and the lived experience of citizens across the six geopolitical zones.

National Insecurity Perception

57% of Nigerians feel unsafe in their own neighbourhood — a figure that rises to 72% in the North-West and 68% in the North-East.

Most Pressing Security Threats

When asked which security threat concerns them most:

Trust in Security Forces

Trust in Nigeria security institutions remains low:

The Nigeria Police Force is the least trusted institution, with 57% of respondents saying they do not trust the police. This is consistent across all zones and demographics.

Regional Breakdown

North-West (Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, etc.)

• 72% feel unsafe — the highest of any zone
• Banditry is the overwhelming concern (52%)
• Trust in police is just 8%

North-East (Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, etc.)

• 68% feel unsafe
• Terrorist insurgency remains the top concern (41%)
• 34% report knowing someone killed or kidnapped in the past year

North-Central (Plateau, Benue, Niger, etc.)

• 61% feel unsafe
• Farmer-herder conflict is the dominant issue (44%)
• 29% have displaced due to conflict at some point

South-South (Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, etc.)

• 48% feel unsafe
• Cultism and organized crime are growing concerns (22%)
• Oil infrastructure security is a unique regional issue

South-East (Enugu, Anambra, Imo, etc.)

• 51% feel unsafe
• Kidnapping for ransom is the top concern (38%)
• Sit-at-home orders and separatist tensions add to insecurity

South-West (Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, etc.)

• 38% feel unsafe — the most secure zone
• Armed robbery is the primary concern (31%)
• Urban crime in Lagos skews the regional figures

What Nigerians Want

When asked what would most improve security:

1. Better police funding and training — cited by 44%
2. Community policing and local intelligence — cited by 38%
3. Economic opportunities to reduce crime drivers — cited by 36%
4. More military patrols in rural areas — cited by 29%
5. Stricter gun control — cited by 21%

Conclusion

Nigeria security crisis remains the second-most important issue after the economy. The gap between citizens lived fear and official statistics suggests underreporting is significant. Rebuilding trust in the police force is the single most impactful step government could take — but it requires sustained investment and institutional reform.

Methodology: Data from NigeriaPolls Insecurity Perception survey fielded May 2025 (n=1,840, ±2.4% MoE, 95% CL). Stratified random sampling across all 36 states and FCT. Full data at NigeriaPolls Research.