An Ibadan-based Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Asiwaju Kunle Kalejaye, has called on President Bola Tinubu to declare a national emergency on banditry, kidnapping and terrorism, warning that the country’s worsening security situation requires urgent and decisive intervention.
Kalejaye, who is also the chairman of Eagle FM, made the appeal in his Democracy Day message, joining growing calls for stronger measures to tackle insecurity across Nigeria.
The legal luminary described the continued activities of bandits, kidnappers and other criminal groups as a national embarrassment that has tarnished Nigeria’s image both locally and internationally.
According to him, the federal government must move beyond existing efforts and adopt far-reaching measures capable of restoring public confidence in the nation’s security architecture before the situation deteriorates further.
He cautioned that prolonged insecurity could undermine trust in security institutions, particularly the Nigerian Army, which may increasingly be viewed as incapable of protecting citizens from criminal elements.
Kalejaye noted that the reputation of the military has already suffered setbacks as criminals frequently disguise themselves in military uniforms while carrying out attacks, kidnappings and other unlawful activities.
He warned that allowing the trend to continue unchecked could further diminish the prestige and integrity traditionally associated with the armed forces, exposing military personnel and symbols to public suspicion and ridicule.
While acknowledging the steps already taken by the government to address insecurity, Kalejaye argued that such efforts may not achieve the desired results without a formal declaration that reflects the nation’s collective determination to confront terrorism and violent crimes.
He said a national emergency declaration would send a clear signal that Nigeria rejects violence in all its forms and is prepared to mobilise every available resource to defeat those threatening the country’s peace and stability.
The senior advocate also urged the federal government to develop and implement concrete strategies aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and crushing criminal activities across the country.
Expressing concern over the growing boldness of criminal groups, he observed that their operations are no longer restricted to rural communities but are increasingly spreading into major towns and urban centres.
He maintained that the celebration of democracy loses significance when citizens continue to live under the constant threat of insecurity, adding that persistent violence undermines the principles of democratic governance and projects a negative image of the nation.
Equally, Kalejaye stressed the need to safeguard lives and property, saying it remains one of the primary constitutional responsibilities of government and should be treated as a matter of utmost priority.
According to him, effective security management demands proactive action, including the early identification and neutralisation of threats before they evolve into larger national crises.
Reiterating his appeal to the president, Kalejaye insisted that an immediate declaration of a national emergency on terrorism and related crimes would demonstrate Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to eradicating insecurity and restoring peace across the country.
“It is left to President Tinubu to save our nation at this perilous time,” he said.
