Some retired senior military officers have backed calls by former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (retd), for the declaration of a state of emergency to tackle the Boko Haram insurgency.
In his new book, Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, Irabor argued that a lack of political will has hindered Nigeria’s response to the insurgency. He said an emergency proclamation backed by the National Assembly would mobilise all elements of national power to end the war.
“The government has not yet mustered the political will and instruments to declare a war against Boko Haram. With an emergency proclamation, there will be greater and more focused attention by the government to galvanise all the elements of national power,” Irabor wrote. “Strategy involves the aggregate of national power, including economic, political, social, diplomatic, information, and military elements. Tactical successes alone rarely bring about political victory.”
Despite losing many top commanders and hundreds of foot soldiers, Boko Haram’s attacks in the North have intensified, causing widespread destruction and displacement. Last week, the group seized Kirawa in Borno State, destroying a military barracks, dozens of homes, and the palace of the district head, forcing over 5,000 people to flee to Cameroon.
Boko Haram fighters also attacked an army base in Borno, killing four soldiers and setting military equipment on fire. A coordinated attack on security formations in Banki was repelled, with one police officer sustaining minor injuries. Governor Babagana Zulum has called for increased military presence in border communities.
Brigadier General Peter Aro (retd.) described Irabor’s proposal as apt and grounded in operational experience, stressing that a genuine state of emergency would improve coordination, resource allocation, and command clarity. Retired Major General Dayo Olukoju added that while a state of emergency is necessary, a multilateral approach addressing terrorism’s root causes is essential.
Colonel Saka Folusho (retd.) supported the move but warned that addressing arms trafficking and properly equipping and compensating soldiers are crucial for effectiveness. He also welcomed the Nigerian Army’s recent steps to boost local production and capabilities.
The Northern Elders Forum reiterated calls for a state of emergency, urging massive deployment of security agencies to crisis-prone areas including Zamfara, Katsina, Niger, Kwara, Benue, and Borno.
Meanwhile, a member of the House of Representatives, Kwamoti Laori, advocated for state policing, citing its effectiveness in the 1960s and proposing community-nominated recruits to prevent abuse.
The African Democratic Congress criticised President Bola Tinubu for alleged insensitivity to worsening insecurity, pointing to attacks, kidnappings, and school closures across northern Nigeria, and accusing the government of neglect and symbolic gestures.
The All Progressives Congress countered, stating that arrests of high-profile kidnappers and gang leaders demonstrate commitment to national security. APC spokesperson Bala Ibrahim described the ADC’s criticisms as politically motivated and disconnected from public perception.
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