ABUJA — In a stern rebuke of the nation’s security architecture, the Northern Ethnic National Forum (NENF) has issued a powerful call for President Bola Tinubu to immediately dismiss all Service Chiefs and declare a state of emergency on security in the North. The demand, which follows a similar appeal from the Northern Elders Forum just days earlier, underscores the growing frustration and alarm over the escalating violence that has crippled the region.

The NENF, a coalition of socio-cultural and political leaders from the 19 northern states, described the security situation as a “full-blown catastrophe” in a statement released yesterday. According to the forum, daily attacks by bandits, terrorists, and kidnappers have rendered communities unsafe, disrupted farming and commerce, and made major highways impassable. The group argues that despite significant resources, the current security chiefs have proven “ineffective” and lack the innovative strategies needed to address the crisis.

A Call for Immediate Action

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The NENF’s statement, signed by its Convener, Dominic Alancha, urges the president to not only sack the current security leadership but also to appoint “fresh and innovative military leaders with a clear mandate and a timeline for delivering measurable results.” The forum’s demand is not for a militarization of the region but for a “targeted, multi-agency, and resource-intensive emergency operation” to dismantle criminal networks and restore order.

Government and Expert Response

While the presidency has not officially responded to the NENF’s latest demand, President Tinubu has previously acknowledged the severity of the security challenges. He has expressed his commitment to overhauling the system, revealing that he is “reviewing all aspects of security” and even considering the creation of state police as a long-term solution. This suggests the government is aware of the public’s concerns and is exploring various avenues for reform.

However, some security analysts and retired military officials have cautioned that a change in leadership alone may not be a panacea. They argue that the problem is deeply systemic, rooted in a lack of inter-agency coordination, insufficient equipment, and underlying socio-economic factors like poverty and unemployment.

These experts suggest a more comprehensive approach is needed, one that addresses the root causes of radicalization and strengthens the entire security apparatus, rather than just changing the individuals at the helm.

Looking Ahead

The growing pressure from influential northern groups highlights a critical moment for the Tinubu administration. The government faces the delicate task of balancing public demand for immediate action with the need for sustainable, long-term solutions. How the president responds to this ultimatum will not only shape the future of security in Nigeria but also define his administration’s ability to deliver on its promise of a safer nation.