Several retired senior military officers have thrown their weight behind the call by former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor (retd.), urging the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency to decisively confront the Boko Haram insurgency.
Irabor, in his new book “Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum”, argued that the absence of political will has hindered Nigeria’s response to terrorism, stressing that an emergency proclamation backed by the National Assembly would mobilise all elements of national power.
“With an emergency proclamation, there will be greater and more focused attention to galvanise economic, political, social, diplomatic, and military power towards ending the war,” Irabor wrote.
Despite sustained military operations that have killed top commanders and captured hundreds of fighters, Boko Haram has recently intensified attacks. Last week, insurgents overran Kirawa, a border town in Borno, burning military barracks, destroying homes, and forcing more than 5,000 residents to flee into Cameroon.
The group also launched coordinated attacks in Borno, killing soldiers, torching military equipment, and targeting security formations in Banki. Governor Babagana Zulum has since called for a stronger military presence in border communities.
Nigeria currently has over 2.2 million internally displaced persons due to terrorism, with humanitarian conditions worsening in many areas.
Military Voices Support
Retired Brigadier General Peter Aro described Irabor’s proposal as “apt and deeply informed,” insisting that a genuine state of emergency — free from political interference — would improve coordination and accelerate resource flow.
Major General Dayo Olukoju (retd.) agreed but stressed the need for a multilateral approach involving traditional, spiritual, and community leaders to address the root causes of terrorism such as identity, freedom, and poverty.
Col. Saka Folusho (retd.) also supported the idea but warned that illicit arms trade and poor welfare for soldiers must be addressed. “When you are paying soldiers N50,000 and denying them equipment, you weaken their capacity to fight,” he said.
Northern Elders Forum & Political Reactions
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) reiterated its longstanding demand for a state of emergency on insecurity, especially in Zamfara, Katsina, Niger, Benue, and Borno, urging the Federal Government to deploy massive security forces.
Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) criticised President Bola Tinubu’s government, accusing it of indifference to escalating violence and failing to protect citizens. The party described Tinubu’s frequent social outings amid rising killings as “unacceptable.”
The All Progressives Congress (APC) countered, insisting that Nigeria is transitioning from insecurity to greater stability, citing the recent arrest of high-profile kidnappers and gang leaders as proof of government commitment.
Alternative Proposals
Some security experts and lawmakers argue that only state policing can adequately address Nigeria’s security challenges. PDP lawmaker Kwamoti Laori recalled that community policing worked effectively in the 1960s and urged legislation to ensure its independence from political manipulation.
As the debate continues, many believe that Nigeria stands at a decisive moment in its counterterrorism strategy — whether to adopt a bold emergency measure or risk further deterioration of security and humanitarian conditions.
