Arewa Forum Warns Nigeria’s Insecurity Has Reached ‘State of War’

The Arewa Consultative Forum has raised serious concerns over Nigeria’s worsening security situation, declaring it has escalated to a “state of war” and calling on the Federal Government to take immediate and decisive action. This position was outlined in a communiqué issued after the forum’s 38th Board of Trustees meeting in Abuja, chaired by Bashir Dalhatu and attended by prominent northern leaders, including Mahmud Ahmed, Mohammed Abubakar, Tukur Buratai, and Tijjani Muhammad-Bande.

In its statement, the forum stressed that the country’s challenges have gone beyond insurgency, banditry, and communal clashes, evolving into a full-scale national crisis. “The scale, persistence and human cost of violence demand a fundamental shift in national priorities,” the ACF said, urging authorities to treat the situation as a national emergency. It highlighted the devastating impact across states such as Borno State, Plateau State, Niger State, and Kwara State, where thousands have been killed or displaced, including members of the armed forces.

The forum warned that insecurity is severely affecting livelihoods and the economy, particularly by disrupting agriculture and supply chains, thereby worsening inflation. “Redirecting national resources toward security is not a diversion from economic development; it is a prerequisite for it,” the communiqué stated. It further called for a “wartime approach,” suggesting that non-essential projects be scaled down to prioritise security efforts.

“Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads. The escalating security crisis threatens not just lives, but the very stability and future of the nation,” the ACF added, emphasising that meaningful progress will remain out of reach until citizens can live and work without fear.