NEF demands security emergency as kidnappings, banditry surge

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has issued a stark warning, calling for an immediate national security emergency declaration by the Federal Government as kidnappings and banditry surge across Nigeria. The forum asserts that the escalating violence poses a grave threat to the nation's stability and economic survival, describing the current situation as an unprecedented security crisis.

In a statement released Wednesday, NEF spokesperson Abubakar Jiddere pointed to widespread criminal activities affecting millions in states like Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Niger, Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Borno, Oyo, Edo, Enugu, and Imo. The forum expressed deep concern over the government's perceived inability to protect citizens, noting that sophisticated criminal enterprises fuel kidnappings-for-ransom through weak law enforcement, porous borders, arms proliferation, and poor intelligence coordination.

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The security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.

The consequences of this insecurity are far-reaching, according to the NEF. Declining agricultural production, displaced farming communities, collapsing rural economies, disrupted education, and increased poverty are direct results. Citing the constitution's emphasis on security and welfare, the forum questioned why citizens are increasingly left to defend themselves, highlighting inadequate security presence, delayed responses, and limited prosecutions.

The NEF also urged an investigation into illegal mining activities linked to insecurity and stressed the need for stronger intelligence sharing, intensified operations against criminal networks, and prosecution of their sponsors. They warned that continued insecurity erodes public confidence, stating, "The time for assurances has passed. The time for measurable action is now."

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The time for assurances has passed. The time for measurable action is now.