ACF Declares Nigeria's Insecurity a 'State of War'

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), during its 38th board meeting held on Wednesday, issued a communique stating that Nigeria's insecurity has escalated to a "State of War." Chaired by Bashir M. Dalhatu, the meeting included prominent northern leaders, former government officials, diplomats, and security chiefs.

The forum noted that the country's security challenges have evolved beyond isolated incidents of insurgency and banditry, leading to widespread violence that threatens national stability. They highlighted the urgent need for decisive action to address the human cost of violence, which has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths and displacements, particularly in states like Borno, Plateau, and Kwara.

The ACF expressed concern over the long-term social and economic implications of insecurity, especially for agriculture, which is vital for the northern economy. They called for a fundamental shift in national priorities, urging the government to redirect resources to tackle insecurity and adopt a wartime approach to ensure the safety of Nigerian citizens.