The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has called on President Bola Tinubu to declare a national security emergency over rising insecurity across Nigeria.
The group made the demand on Wednesday in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Professor Abubakar Jiddere.
According to the forum, insecurity has reached a dangerous level and requires urgent action. It warned that many Nigerians now live in fear as kidnappers, bandits, terrorists, and other criminal groups continue to operate across the country.
The forum said the situation has left many communities under siege. It also noted that public confidence in the government’s ability to protect lives and property is declining.
The NEF cited Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution, which states that the security and welfare of citizens is the primary responsibility of government.
The group questioned why many Nigerians are increasingly forced to protect themselves despite repeated assurances from authorities.
The forum recalled that Nigeria has faced several security challenges since independence. These include the Civil War, Boko Haram insurgency, militancy in the Niger Delta, armed robbery, and communal violence.
However, it said the current crisis is different because insecurity is spreading across many regions at the same time.
According to the statement, communities in Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Niger, Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Borno, Oyo, Edo, Enugu, Imo, and other states continue to face attacks, kidnappings, and displacement.
The NEF expressed concern over the growing rate of kidnapping for ransom. It said criminal groups have built a thriving network that benefits from weak enforcement, porous borders, illegal weapons, and poor intelligence sharing.
The group warned that the impact of insecurity is affecting every sector of the economy.
Farmers are abandoning their farms. Food production is declining. Businesses are struggling, while investors are becoming more cautious.
The forum also said many families have been pushed deeper into poverty because of ransom payments and displacement from their communities.
The NEF further criticised what it described as inadequate security responses in many affected areas. It cited reports of delayed interventions during attacks and limited prosecution of suspects linked to violent crimes.
The forum called for a full investigation into illegal mining and other economic activities that may be financing criminal operations in different parts of the country.
As part of its recommendations, the group urged the Federal Government to immediately declare a national security emergency.
It also called for stronger intelligence coordination among security agencies and more aggressive operations against kidnapping and banditry networks.
The forum recommended the use of modern surveillance technology to improve security operations across the country.
In addition, it demanded the investigation and prosecution of anyone found sponsoring, financing, or supporting violent criminal groups, regardless of their status or political affiliation.
The NEF also urged the government to provide better protection for schools, farming communities, highways, and rural areas that remain vulnerable to attacks.
Furthermore, it called for greater transparency and accountability in the management of security funds.
The forum warned that public patience is wearing thin and stressed that governments are judged by their ability to protect citizens and maintain law and order.
It concluded that insecurity is no longer a regional or political issue but a national emergency that requires immediate and measurable action from all levels of government.
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