Protest at the National Assembly with Demand for Declaration of State of Emergency on Security

Protest at the National Assembly with Demand for Declaration of State of Emergency on Security

By: Michael Mike

There was a mild protest at the National Assembly on Wednesday, calling on the Federal Government to urgently declare a state of emergency to address the nation’s deepening insecurity crisis.

The protest was organized by the Nigeria Movement for Actionable Change (NMFAC) led by activist and convener Faisal Sanusi Ibrahim.

The group made up of various civic and youth organisations said the demonstration was a patriotic effort to draw national attention to the alarming spread of kidnappings, killings and violent attacks across the country.

Ibrahim said: “We all know the current state of insecurity in the entire nation. No state is safe, no one is safe.

“We are here as Nigerians for actionable change, united beyond religion, tribe or culture, because insecurity affects everyone.”

While commending recent rescue efforts, NMFAC warned that the situation remains dire. Ibrahim noted that although 24 abducted victims were freed, 253 Nigerians remain in captivity in Niger State, with fresh kidnappings reported in Kwara and Kano just a day earlier.

“These attacks are sporadic. We cannot fold our hands,” he said.

The movement rejected any form of negotiation with armed groups, insisting that government must confront criminal elements 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. “We need action, not dialogue with those destroying our nation.”

He cautioned against framing insecurity along religious lines, amid global concerns over alleged persecution.

“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, known for his activism on social media, said young Nigerians are overwhelmed by a combination of insecurity, hunger, economic hardship, and multiple government-imposed subsidies.

“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 demanded improved funding, equipment and firepower for security agencies, warning that criminals increasingly overpower military personnel.

“When soldiers run, you know there is a problem,” Ibrahim said. “Our security men are being killed every day. The government must supply them with the equipment needed to win this fight.”

He referenced the recent killing of a military general as a grim signal of escalating danger.

The group lamented that insecurity has made road travel perilous, forcing many Nigerians to rely on air travel—an option out of reach for the majority.

“Using an airplane is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity. But how many Nigerians can afford it?” Ibrahim asked. “Our roads are not safe not for civilians, not even for security agencies.”

NMFAC urged lawmakers to intervene urgently, insisting that only decisive national action can halt the spread of violence.

“We don’t know which school, which state or which community is next,” Ibrahim warned. “The problems in this country are overwhelming.

We are pleading with the government to do the needful so Nigerians can move safely from one place to another.”

Protest at the National Assembly with Demand for Declaration of State of Emergency on Security