A security analyst, Kalejaye, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a national security emergency, warning that Nigeria is facing an escalating wave of terrorism, banditry, and violent attacks that require extraordinary measures to contain.
Kalejaye made the appeal while speaking on the worsening security situation across several regions of the country, noting that recent incidents of kidnappings, rural attacks, and insurgent activities indicate a troubling expansion of criminal networks. He argued that the current security framework, while active, may not be sufficient to address the scale and complexity of the threat.
According to him, declaring a national emergency would allow the federal government to mobilize additional resources, strengthen coordination among security agencies, and implement faster operational responses to emerging threats. He emphasized that Nigeria is at a critical point where delays in decisive action could further embolden armed groups.
The security expert expressed concern that terrorist and bandit groups are becoming more sophisticated in their operations, taking advantage of porous borders, difficult terrain, and limited surveillance capacity in rural communities. He added that the increasing frequency of attacks on highways, villages, and schools demonstrates a shift in tactics that requires urgent strategic review.
Kalejaye also highlighted the psychological impact of insecurity on citizens, noting that fear and uncertainty have disrupted economic activities, displaced communities, and weakened public confidence in governance. He warned that continued instability could have long-term consequences for national development if not addressed swiftly.
He further called for improved intelligence gathering and stronger inter-agency cooperation among security institutions, including the military, police, and intelligence services. According to him, fragmented responses have often slowed down counter-terrorism efforts, allowing armed groups to escape or regroup after attacks.
The analyst stressed that a national emergency declaration would also enable the government to prioritize funding for security infrastructure, including surveillance technology, communication systems, and rapid response units. He said such investments are necessary to modernize Nigeria’s security architecture and improve response times.
Kalejaye urged the government to also engage local communities more effectively in the fight against insecurity, noting that grassroots intelligence remains a crucial component in detecting and preventing attacks. He recommended the strengthening of community policing structures and greater collaboration with traditional rulers and local leaders.
While acknowledging ongoing efforts by the federal government to combat insecurity, he maintained that the scale of the problem requires a more unified and urgent national approach. He warned that without decisive intervention, criminal groups could further expand their influence in vulnerable regions.
The call for a national emergency comes amid renewed public debate over the effectiveness of Nigeria’s security strategy, particularly in the face of persistent attacks in parts of the North-West, North-East, and North-Central regions. Analysts have continued to urge government to adopt more adaptive and technology-driven counter-insurgency measures.
In response to similar concerns in recent months, the federal government has repeatedly assured citizens that security agencies are intensifying operations against armed groups. Officials have also emphasized ongoing reforms aimed at improving intelligence coordination and strengthening military and police capabilities.
However, stakeholders like Kalejaye insist that more urgent action is needed to reverse the trend and restore public confidence. He concluded by urging President Tinubu to consider extraordinary constitutional measures that would prioritize national security above all other concerns at this critical time.
