Bangladesh, Nov. 27 -- Nigeria is once again confronting the grim reality of a deepening security crisis, forcing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take the rare step of declaring a “nationwide security emergency” on November 26. The decision-driven by an alarming spike in terrorist attacks, mass abductions, and deadly assaults-underscores how fragile stability has become in Africas most populous nation. With kidnappings returning to levels reminiscent of the darkest days of Boko Harams insurgency, Tinubu has ordered a sweeping expansion of the security apparatus, hoping to curb the chaos engulfing several states.

The presidents declaration came shortly after he canceled a planned visit to South Africa for the G20 Summit, a dipl...