Abstract
Essentially, the rise of the unknown gunmen (UGM) in southeast Nigeria is posing a new security threat in the region. The security challenge from UGM in the region is, however, problematic as the UGM are faceless and cannot be identified, unlike other criminal and/or terrorist groups (like Boko-Haram, bandits, and militants), who constantly affirm the terrorist activities or crimes they commit. However, no group has owned up to the crimes committed in the region occasioned by UGM. This position has necessitated this study's essence as no scholarly interrogations exist on the subject matter. The study adopted explanatory research design, documentary method of data collection, qualitative data analysis, and fragile state theory as the beacon of analysis. The study concluded that it is vital that the Nigerian state call for a referendum of all the regions to ascertain their intentions to remain as one country to give or pave way for true federalism, state police and fiscal federalism. The study suggested thus, the federal government and states in the region should begin to fashion enduring solutions, not the kneejerk/ reactionary approach that has been applied. Security operatives must scale up intelligence to tackle the trend, as it is worrisome that no meaningful arrests have been made on the attacks that started in the region since 2020 and counting.