Nigeria's Security Under Siege: Northern Elders Forum Calls for Emergency Action

The Northern Elders Forum has sounded the alarm over the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria, urging the Federal Government to declare a national security emergency without delay. According to the forum's spokesperson, Abubakar Jiddere, the country is grappling with an unprecedented security crisis, characterized by rampant kidnappings, bandit attacks, and other violent crimes that have left millions of Nigerians vulnerable. The forum expressed deep concern over the government's apparent inability to protect lives and property, citing the persistent attacks on communities in states such as Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Niger, Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Borno, Oyo, Edo, Enugu, and Imo by bandits, kidnappers, and other armed groups. The growing prevalence of kidnapping-for-ransom has evolved into a sophisticated criminal enterprise, fueled by weak law enforcement, porous borders, illegal arms proliferation, and inadequate intelligence coordination. The consequences of these security challenges are evident in the decline of agricultural production, displacement of farming communities, collapse of rural economies, disruption of education, and increasing poverty among affected families. The forum quoted Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution, which states that 'the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government,' and questioned why many citizens are increasingly left to defend themselves against criminal elements. The Northern Elders Forum also raised concerns over reports of inadequate security presence in vulnerable communities, delayed responses to attacks, and limited prosecution of suspected perpetrators of violent crimes. Furthermore, the forum urged the Federal Government to investigate illegal mining activities and other forms of resource exploitation that have been linked to insecurity in some parts of the country, arguing that criminal networks often thrive where governance and oversight are weak. As part of its recommendations, the forum called for stronger intelligence-sharing among security agencies, intensified operations against kidnapping and banditry networks, prosecution of sponsors and financiers of violent groups, comprehensive audits of illegal mining activities, enhanced protection for farming communities and schools, and greater accountability in the management of security funds. Describing the situation as a national rather than regional concern, the forum warned that continued insecurity could further erode public confidence in government institutions. 'The time for assurances has passed. The time for measurable action is now,' the statement added. Nigeria has faced persistent security challenges for more than a decade, particularly in the North-East, with the North-West and North-Central regions also experiencing banditry, mass kidnappings, and communal violence, which have displaced thousands of residents and disrupted economic activities. In recent times, bandits have made incursions into the South-West, with attacks reported in Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo, and Ogun states. The forum's call for action comes amid growing concerns over attacks on farming communities, increasing ransom kidnappings along major highways, and the impact of insecurity on food production and investment. Various stakeholders, including traditional rulers, civil society groups, and regional organizations, have repeatedly called for stronger security measures and improved coordination among security agencies to address the crisis.