A civil society organisation, Youth Arise Movement, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to adopt more decisive measures to address Nigeria’s worsening security challenges, warning that persistent attacks on communities, schools and rural settlements threaten the nation’s stability and democratic progress.
The appeal was made in a statement issued on Friday by the Convener of the group, Ademola Abidemi, who expressed concern over the continued wave of killings, kidnappings and displacement of citizens by terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups operating across the country.
According to Abidemi, insecurity in Nigeria has reached a critical level, affecting citizens regardless of their region, religion or social status and undermining public confidence in the ability of authorities to protect lives and property.
He noted that for more than a decade, millions of Nigerians have lived under the constant threat of violence, forcing many families to abandon their homes, farmlands and businesses in search of safety.
The group particularly condemned recent attacks on schools and educational institutions, describing them as a direct threat to the country’s future development.
“An attack on children, students and teachers is an attack on Nigeria’s future. When educational institutions become targets, the country risks undermining the very foundation of its growth and prosperity,” Abidemi stated.
While acknowledging the efforts of security agencies in combating criminality, the organisation argued that the scale and complexity of the security threat require stronger coordination among government institutions, security agencies and local communities.
The group urged the President to convene an emergency security summit involving the Department of State Services (DSS), the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security stakeholders to develop fresh strategies for protecting vulnerable communities, particularly in rural areas where security presence remains limited.
Abidemi stressed that insecurity has evolved into a national emergency that demands collective action, warning that sustainable economic growth, political stability and social development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear and violence.
He also called for increased investment in intelligence gathering, community-based security initiatives, school protection measures and stronger border security to prevent the infiltration of criminal elements into the country.
The group further urged federal and state governments to ensure that security allocations and development funds are effectively utilised to improve safety and resilience in rural communities that have become frequent targets of attacks.
“As Nigeria marks another Democracy Day, leaders at all levels must recognise that the protection of lives remains the most important responsibility of government. Citizens deserve to live in peace, pursue their livelihoods and educate their children without fear,” the statement said.
Youth Arise Movement maintained that overcoming terrorism, banditry and other forms of violent criminality would require sustained political commitment, stronger institutions and a coordinated national response involving all stakeholders.
The call comes amid growing public concern over recurring attacks in several parts of the country, with security continuing to rank among the most pressing issues in national discourse.
