The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has declared that the deepening insecurity in Nigeria has degenerated into what it described as a “state of war,” urging the Federal Government to immediately reorder its priorities and treat security as the nation’s most urgent emergency.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that this was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the forum’s 38th Board of Trustees meeting held on Wednesday, April 15, and signed by its Chairman, Bashir Dalhatu.
The high-level meeting, attended by prominent northern leaders, including former top government officials, diplomats, and retired security chiefs, extensively reviewed the persistent and escalating wave of violence across the country, particularly in the northern region.
The forum observed that Nigeria’s security crisis has expanded beyond isolated cases of insurgency, banditry, and communal clashes into a widespread and coordinated pattern of violence threatening national stability.
The ACF’s position comes amid renewed attacks across several states. During the Easter period, a wave of violence in Borno, Kaduna, Katsina, and Benue states reportedly claimed at least 16 lives, including five policemen, while dozens of residents were displaced.
In another major incident on March 17, no fewer than 25 persons were killed in simultaneous explosions at the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, the Monday Market Roundabout, and a post office in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Boko Haram, ISWAP intensify attacks
The forum noted that in recent weeks, insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province have launched coordinated and deadly attacks on military formations across Borno State.
These assaults have led to significant casualties among both civilians and military personnel, including senior officers.
Among those reported killed are Major U.I. Mairiga, who headed the Mayenti base; Lt-Col Umar Faruq, Commander of Kukawa base and the 101 Brigade; Lt-Col S.I. Iliyasu, Commanding Officer of the 222 Battalion in Konduga; Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah, Brigade Commander of the 29 Task Force Brigade Headquarters in Benisheikh; and Col. I.A. Mohammed, Commanding Officer of the 242 Battalion in Monguno.
Despite the attacks, the military has intensified operations in high-risk areas, including the Sambisa Forest, the Timbuktu Triangle, the Mandara Mountains, and the Lake Chad Basin.
According to reports, several insurgent commanders and fighters have been neutralised, while multiple terrorist camps have been destroyed in ongoing offensives across different fronts.
In its communiqué, the ACF stressed that the scale, persistence, and human cost of the violence require a fundamental shift in how the government responds.
“The scale, persistence and human cost of the violence demand a fundamental shift in national priorities,” the forum stated.
It added that insecurity should no longer be treated as one among many governance challenges but as the country’s overriding national emergency.
Mass Killings, Displacement Raise Alarm
The forum expressed deep concern over the humanitarian consequences of the crisis, revealing that hundreds of thousands of Nigerians have either been killed or displaced in states such as Borno, Plateau, Niger, and Kwara.
It also noted that victims include not only civilians but members of the armed forces, including senior military officers.
According to the group, the crisis has torn families apart, destroyed livelihoods, and left entire communities traumatised, warning that the long-term social impact could be devastating.
Agriculture, Economy Under Threat
The ACF further highlighted the economic implications of the worsening insecurity, particularly its impact on agriculture, which remains the backbone of the northern economy.
It warned that farming activities have been severely disrupted, contributing to food shortages, rising inflation, and the gradual collapse of rural economies.
“Insecurity is now directly undermining Nigeria’s economy. The longer the crisis persists, the more expensive it becomes to fix,” the communiqué stated.
The forum called for what it described as a “wartime approach” to tackling insecurity, urging the government to temporarily suspend or scale down spending on non-essential projects.
ACF recommended that such resources be redirected towards strengthening security operations and ending the crisis.
“Extraordinary threats require extraordinary measures,” the group said, stressing that national security must take precedence over other developmental initiatives.
Nigeria At Critical Crossroads
The ACF warned that Nigeria is at a critical juncture, with escalating violence posing a serious threat to national unity and the country’s future.
It urged the Federal Government to act with urgency and clarity by mobilising all available resources and demonstrating strong leadership in confronting the crisis.
The former Secretary General of the ACF, Elder Anthony Sani, has called on the government to implement a comprehensive strategy that integrates both robust punitive measures and long-term socio-economic initiatives.
In a discussion with Daily Trust on Wednesday, Sani underscored that security measures must extend beyond mere military actions.
He stated that the government needs to significantly enhance punitive actions by increasing the number of security personnel, ensuring they receive adequate training, are properly equipped, and are sufficiently motivated to protect lives and property.
Nevertheless, he cautioned that enforcement alone will not solve the crisis. Sani emphasised the pressing need to address the underlying causes of insecurity, particularly poverty, ignorance, and unemployment.
He pointed out the alarming rise in the number of out-of-school children as a significant issue, warning that neglecting this problem could lead to a vulnerable population of youths who may be easily recruited by extremist organisations.
“The fight against insecurity must be waged on two fronts: through decisive security actions and deliberate policies that improve education, reduce poverty, and create employment opportunities,” Sani stated.
He stated that only a balanced and sustained approach can effectively mitigate the threat and restore enduring peace in the region.
The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has also voiced its concerns regarding the increasing frequency of terror attacks throughout the country.
The group condemned the wave of violence in Yorubaland and urged the governors of the six South West states to take more decisive measures to address the escalating insecurity.
Following its caucus meeting held at the residence of its leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, Afenifere characterised the situation as alarming and cautioned that immediate actions must be taken to stop what it referred to as a “genocidal agenda.”
The organisation, in a statement, reiterated its appeal to South West governors to convert resolutions from prior security meetings into tangible actions.
It also encouraged them to collaborate with their counterparts in Kwara and Kogi states, emphasising that the forest corridors connecting these regions are often exploited by bandits to carry out attacks.
The statement, signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, further called for the enhancement of the military and other security agencies through improved equipment, boosted morale, and a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies.
Afenifere emphasised the necessity for security agencies to examine internal factors, alleging the existence of internal collaborators who assist criminal elements.
According to the group, certain individuals within local communities are complicit by providing support to kidnappers, bandits, and terrorists.
The organisation also extended its condolences to the victims of terrorism in Yorubaland and other regions of Nigeria, advocating for a united front to confront the menace.
When contacted last night, the spokesman for the Nigeria Police Force, Anthony Placid, stated that the Force had not been sufficiently informed about the ACF’s resolution and assured that the Force would respond appropriately.
According to Daily Trust, the Director of Defence Information, Major-General Samaila Uba, was unavailable for comment, as calls to his mobile were not answered.
“Truly, the government should declare a state of emergency on insecurity, especially in some states where we have had this endemic problem of banditry, Boko Haram activities and other violent crimes. It is getting too uncomfortable for citizens,” Placid said.
The Security Outfits Have Not Really Helped
The retired police chief stressed that beyond rhetoric, the government must commit substantial resources and embark on a deliberate restructuring of the police.
The former AIG also criticised the proliferation of specialised units, noting that they have not translated into improved security outcomes.
“All these outfits being created here and there have not really helped in addressing the core issues. Instead of multiplying structures, what is needed is proper reform of the existing system so that it works efficiently. If the divisions are well-resourced and properly guided, you will see a significant improvement in policing outcomes,” he added.
In discussing tactical operations, Bolanta stressed the necessity of revitalising the Police Mobile Force (MPF). He identified systemic challenges that impact resource utilisation and cautioned against the ongoing centralisation of logistics at elevated levels, asserting that effectiveness relies on empowering local commands.
“I served in the police for 35 years, and I spent my last ten years at the administrative level, so I understand how the system works. One of the major problems is that resources often do not get to the people who actually need them for operations,” he explained.
“Funding, welfare, equipment and logistics should not be concentrated at the headquarters. They must be directed to the DPOs who head stations in towns and rural areas. Once they have adequate resources, you will begin to see police visibility everywhere, and that visibility alone serves as a strong deterrent to criminal activities. Criminals thrive where there is no visible security presence.”
Bolanta stressed that the government must adequately fund the military because the nature of the threats “we are facing requires a coordinated approach,” calling for greater citizen participation in security efforts.
“The police cannot do it alone, nor can the military operate in isolation. There has to be synergy, proper funding and clear operational roles,” he added.