A coalition of civic and youth groups on Wednesday staged a peaceful protest at the National Assembly, demanding that the Federal Government declare a state of emergency to tackle Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.
The demonstration was organised by the Nigeria Movement for Actionable Change (NMFAC), led by activist Faisal Sanusi Ibrahim, who described the protest as a patriotic call to action in the face of rising kidnappings, killings and violent attacks across the country.
Addressing journalists, Ibrahim said insecurity had reached a critical level, with no part of the country spared. “No state is safe, no one is safe,” he said. “We are here as Nigerians for actionable change, united beyond religion, tribe or culture, because insecurity affects everyone.”
While acknowledging recent rescue operations, NMFAC warned that the broader security picture remains alarming. Ibrahim noted that although 24 abducted victims were recently freed, at least 253 Nigerians remain in captivity in Niger State, with additional kidnappings reported in Kwara and Kano within the last 24 hours.
“These attacks are sporadic. We cannot fold our hands,” he said.
The movement rejected any negotiation with armed criminals, insisting that government must confront terrorist and bandit groups decisively. “We are saying a complete no to negotiation with terrorists—people who sacked us from our homes and made our lives unbearable,” Ibrahim declared.
He cautioned against religious narratives surrounding insecurity, stressing that violence affects all communities. “If we choose to treat insecurity based on religion, we will not solve it. Every religion is affected. Humanity is the first religion,” he said.
Ibrahim said young Nigerians are struggling under the combined weight of insecurity, hunger and economic hardship. “So many people are crying, so many are dying. Which problem do we treat first—hunger or insecurity?” he asked. “Until everyone is safe, no one is safe.”
NMFAC also called for improved funding and equipment for security agencies, warning that criminal groups are increasingly overpowering security personnel. Citing recent incidents, including the killing of a military general, Ibrahim said: “When soldiers run, you know there is a problem. Our security men are being killed every day. The government must supply them with the equipment needed to win this fight.”
The group lamented the severe impact of insecurity on travel, noting that unsafe roads have forced many Nigerians to rely on air transport. “Using an airplane is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity. But how many Nigerians can afford it? Our roads are not safe—not for civilians, not even for security agencies,” he said.
NMFAC urged lawmakers to take urgent action, warning that continued delays could lead to further tragedy. “We don’t know which school, which state or which community is next,” Ibrahim said. “We are pleading with the government to do the needful so Nigerians can move safely from one place to another.”
