KEY POINTS
- Retired officers back Irabor’s state of emergency call.
- Boko Haram’s renewed attacks deepen insecurity in the North.
- Experts urge broader reforms to sustain lasting peace.
Several retired senior military officers have backed former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, in calling for a state of emergency to tackle the Boko Haram insurgency.
In his new book, Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, Irabor blamed weak political will for prolonging the conflict, arguing that an emergency proclamation backed by lawmakers could unify national power economic, military, and diplomatic to end the war.
He wrote that Nigeria’s strategy must integrate all elements of national strength, not just military might. “Tactical wins mean little without strategic success,” Irabor said.
Boko Haram intensifies attacks in the North
Despite years of counterinsurgency operations, Boko Haram’s attacks have recently surged. The group captured the border town of Kirawa in Borno State, destroyed a military barracks, and forced more than 5,000 residents to flee to Cameroon.
Four soldiers were killed in a separate raid on an army base, while coordinated attacks in Banki were repelled by joint security forces. Governor Babagana Zulum has called for more troops in border areas, warning that communities remain vulnerable.
Over 2.2 million Nigerians are internally displaced, with worsening humanitarian conditions.
Support grows for Irabor’s state of emergency proposal
Retired Brigadier General Peter Aro described Irabor’s call for a state of emergency on insecurity as “apt and timely,” saying it would bring urgency and coordination to the war effort. “It must be a genuine emergency, not business as usual,” he said, adding that politics must step aside for security command to take full control.
Major General Dayo Olukoju agreed but urged a multilateral approach involving community, traditional, and religious leaders to address the roots of terrorism.
Colonel Saka Folusho also endorsed the state of emergency on insecurity, stressing that illegal arms trade and poor soldier welfare undermine military efficiency. “You can’t fight terrorism when troops are underpaid and underequipped,” he said.
The Northern Elders Forum also renewed its demand for emergency measures, citing the need for “massive deployment” of security forces across Zamfara, Katsina, Niger, Benue, and Borno States.
Debate widens as politicians and parties weigh in
While the Federal Government has yet to comment on Irabor’s proposal, a lawmaker from Adamawa State, Kwamoti Laori, said only state policing could address Nigeria’s security crisis effectively.
Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress accused President Bola Tinubu of neglecting his duty as Commander-in-Chief, citing his frequent social appearances despite worsening insecurity. The APC countered, saying the administration’s recent arrests of high-profile kidnappers prove progress.
