Urgent Call for National Emergency Due to Rising Insecurity in Nigeria
Former African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Mohamed Hayatou Deen has called on both federal and state governments to declare the escalating security crisis a national emergency. He warns that the ongoing wave of terrorism, banditry, and violent attacks threatens Nigeria’s stability, economic growth, and national cohesion.
During his address, Hayatu Deen expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security landscape, emphasizing that the intensifying assaults by terrorists and criminal entities demand immediate, coordinated action from government entities at all levels. He underscored the necessity of protecting lives and restoring public trust in governance.
Hayatou Deen pointed out the alarming state of insecurity, arguing that it transcends mere daily challenges. He framed it as a critical issue affecting economic governance and national survival, asserting that the situation warrants the designation of a national emergency.
The recurrent violent attacks have devastated rural communities, leading to the displacement of thousands and wreaking havoc on agricultural production and local businesses. This has exacerbated hardship and deepened the prevailing food insecurity across the nation.
Hayatu Deen contended that a comprehensive strategy is essential to address this crisis. He proposed a multifaceted approach that integrates military responses with intelligence-led operations, advanced surveillance technologies, community policing, and socio-economic initiatives targeting the root causes of insecurity.
He also advocated for enhanced collaboration among the federal government, state authorities, security agencies, and local communities to improve intelligence sharing and dismantle criminal networks effectively. Furthermore, he urged the government to equip and motivate security personnel adequately.
According to Hayatu Deen, further inaction could exacerbate Nigeria’s economic and social instability. He argued that Nigerians have endured fear for too long, asserting that farmers should have the right to work, merchants the right to trade freely, and children the right to move about safely. He called for a return to order and trust in government authority, insisting that now is the time for decisive action to restore peace and protect lives.
In aligning his views with a growing chorus of concerns from notable figures, including former INEC Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega and former Chief of Staff Ambassador Ibrahim Gambari, Hayatu Deen echoed the sentiment that “enough is enough.” He urged both the Federal Government and international partners to take more decisive measures to combat the terrorist and bandit networks destabilizing Nigeria.
