According to a report by Daily Post on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, elder statesman and former Foreign Affairs Minister, has warned that Nigeria’s security challenges are being prolonged by what he described as the actions and inactions of some state governments.
He stated that the conduct of certain state authorities has created room for armed groups to operate more freely, leading to worsening insecurity across different regions.
He said the failure to confront these groups decisively continues to undermine national stability, and he stressed the need for immediate steps to prevent further deterioration.
According to Professor Akinyemi, the interactions between some state governments and armed groups have weakened national efforts to restore order.
He explained that when state authorities adopt approaches that do not strongly discourage violent activities, it sends signals that embolden criminal networks.
According to him, the country cannot resolve its security crisis if state administrations do not align with national measures aimed at stopping terrorist operations.
He maintained that a uniform stance against all forms of armed resistance is necessary.
Professor Akinyemi stated that Nigeria requires a more structured and expanded security framework to keep pace with the spread of violent groups.
He recommended a large-scale recruitment drive into the military to strengthen manpower and improve territorial coverage.
He said that many communities remain vulnerable because the current level of deployment is not enough to secure all affected areas.
His view is that increasing the number of personnel would allow for a more effective presence in locations that have repeatedly faced attacks.
Professor Akinyemi also urged the government to consider emergency rule in states where consistent violence has disrupted governance.
He said that such a measure would give the federal government greater control to address insecurity quickly.
He added that emergency rule could help streamline operations, remove administrative bottlenecks, and ensure that security agencies work with a single coordinated command in critical areas.
Professor Akinyemi advised that military tribunals should be introduced to handle cases involving armed groups and individuals accused of supporting them.
He said that this approach would shorten trial periods and ensure that justice is delivered without unnecessary delays.
According to him, faster prosecution would deter new recruits and weaken the confidence of groups operating in conflict zones.
Professor Akinyemi further called for the suspension of constitutional immunity for governors in situations where their decisions or activities relate directly to security matters.
He said that immunity should not shield anyone whose actions may obstruct national security operations.
He argued that accountability must apply to all levels of leadership to ensure that the fight against insecurity is not compromised by political considerations.
Professor Akinyemi insisted that his proposals should not be interpreted as support for military rule, but as steps aimed at preventing wider instability.
He said Nigeria must recognise the seriousness of the current situation and take firm decisions to stop the spread of violent activities.
He said that without urgent action, the country risks facing deeper external and internal pressures that could further complicate its security landscape.
He said: “I’m not trying to militarize something that shouldn’t be,” he said. He warned that persistent insecurity could invite foreign military action. “When the most powerful man in the world threatens you with his own troops, the devil is at the door knocking, we don’t want that devil to come in.
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