Several retired senior military officers have expressed support for former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (retd), who has called for the declaration of a state of emergency to decisively address the Boko Haram insurgency, Peak Newspaper reports.
In his new book, “Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum,” Irabor argued that a lack of political will has hindered Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts. He suggested that an emergency proclamation, backed by the National Assembly, would allow the government to mobilise all elements of national power toward ending the war.
“The government had not yet mustered the political will and instruments to declare a war against Boko Haram,” Irabor wrote. “With an emergency proclamation, there will be greater and more focused attention to galvanise all the elements of national power towards the war.”
Despite years of military offensives, Boko Haram has recently intensified attacks in Borno State. The group recently overran the border town of Kirawa, destroying a military barracks, homes, and the palace of the district head. More than 5,000 residents fled to Cameroon, while several soldiers were killed in separate raids on military bases.
Governor Babagana Zulum has since called for more troops in border communities, as over 2.2 million Nigerians remain internally displaced by the insurgency.
Reacting to Irabor’s proposal, Brigadier General Peter Aro (retd.) described it as “apt and deeply informed,” adding that a genuine, legislatively backed state of emergency could bring coherence and urgency to the anti-insurgency effort.
“When politics steps aside and security takes full command, coordination improves, resources flow faster, and authority becomes clear,” Aro said.
Similarly, Major General Dayo Olukoju (retd.) backed the idea but urged a broader approach that addresses the root causes of terrorism.
“A state of emergency is necessary, but it must go hand in hand with a multilateral strategy involving traditional, spiritual, and community leaders,” Olukoju said. “Issues of identity, poverty, and justice must be addressed to prevent resurgence.”
Also lending his voice, Col. Saka Folusho (retd.) said there was “nothing wrong” with declaring a state of emergency on insecurity, noting that it could help reset the country’s counterterrorism strategy and restore stability in the North.
