Several retired senior military officers have thrown their weight behind the call by former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (retd), for the declaration of a state of emergency to effectively tackle the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria.
In his new book, “Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum,” Irabor attributed Nigeria’s prolonged insecurity to a lack of political will, stressing that an emergency proclamation, supported by the National Assembly, would mobilise all elements of national power to end the war.
Irabor, who served as CDS under former President Muhammadu Buhari, wrote:
“The government has not yet mustered the political will and instruments to declare a war against Boko Haram. With an emergency proclamation backed by the National Assembly, there will be greater and more focused attention by the government to galvanise all the elements of national power towards the war.”
He added that the success of military operations depends on strong political leadership, noting that tactical victories alone cannot guarantee strategic success.
Despite major counterinsurgency efforts, Boko Haram attacks have recently intensified across the North, causing widespread destruction and displacement. Last week, the group captured the border town of Kirawa in Borno State, destroyed a military barracks, homes, and the district head’s palace, and forced over 5,000 residents to flee to neighbouring Cameroon. In another attack, four soldiers were killed and military equipment burnt at a base in Borno, while a coordinated assault on Banki was repelled by joint forces.
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has called for increased military presence in border communities, warning that the humanitarian crisis—already affecting more than 2.2 million displaced Nigerians—is worsening.
Experts, Elders, and Lawmakers Support Call
Brigadier General Peter Aro (retd.) described Irabor’s suggestion as “apt and deeply informed by experience,” noting that a genuine and legislatively backed emergency declaration would bring coherence and urgency to the fight against insurgency.
“It must be a genuine state of emergency — not one where political leaders still operate as usual. When politics steps aside and security takes full command, coordination improves, resources flow faster, and authority becomes clearer,” he said.
Major General Dayo Olukoju (retd.) also agreed but advocated a broader, multilateral approach that addresses the root causes of terrorism.
“Freedom, identity, and socio-economic grievances must be addressed,” he said. “The state of emergency is good, but without tackling these causes, we risk resurgence.”
Similarly, Colonel Saka Folusho (retd.) supported the idea but warned it would fail without tackling illicit arms trading. He called for better equipment, proper remuneration for soldiers, and stronger local production of military hardware.
“You can’t pay a soldier ₦50,000 and expect high morale. They must be well-equipped and properly led,” he said.
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) also renewed its call for a state of emergency in the North. Its spokesperson, Prof. Abubakar Jiddere, urged massive deployment of security personnel in high-risk states such as Zamfara, Katsina, Niger, Kwara, Benue, and Borno.
“It’s a matter of national emergency,” he said. “Only a strong, coordinated security response can end this crisis.”
When contacted, Minister of Information Mohammed Idris promised to respond to Irabor’s proposal but had yet to do so as of press time. Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, said Irabor was entitled to his opinion.
Lawmakers Push for State Policing
House of Representatives member for Demsa/Numan/Lamurde Federal Constituency, Adamawa State, Kwamoti Laori, argued that only state policing can effectively address insecurity. He recalled that community-based policing in the 1960s helped reduce crime because local officers knew the residents personally.
He proposed that communities be empowered to nominate recruits for state police to prevent political interference and ensure accountability.
ADC Faults Tinubu on Security, APC Responds
Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) criticised President Bola Tinubu for what it described as his administration’s “insensitivity” to Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC accused the President of neglecting his constitutional duties while attending social and political events amid rising attacks and killings.
The party cited recent bandit attacks in Kwara and Kogi States, widespread kidnappings, and the closure of over 180 schools in northern Nigeria due to insecurity. It said Tinubu’s assurances of “progress” contradict the reality of daily killings and displacement in states such as Plateau, Zamfara, Benue, Niger, Kaduna, and Kwara.
“The President’s claim of progress in the fight against insecurity is a tragic denial of reality,” Abdullahi said, accusing the government of “cruel indifference.”
The ADC urged the government to acknowledge the scale of the crisis, engage directly with affected communities, strengthen coordination among security agencies, and ensure transparency in defence spending.
Responding, the All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissed the ADC’s statement as politically motivated. The party’s Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, said Nigeria is making steady progress under Tinubu’s administration, citing the recent arrests of high-profile kidnappers and gang leaders.
“Yes, there are challenges, but the government is confronting them with speed,” he said. “The ADC’s position reflects desperation, not reality. Nigerians know that the country is moving from insecurity to greater security.”
ADEOLA KUNLE
