Former Minister of External Affairs and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, has called on President Bola Tinubu to declare a nationwide state of emergency on security, citing escalating violence and widespread kidnappings across the country.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement issued on Monday, Akinyemi referenced several recent incidents that have deepened public anxiety, including the killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba, the abduction of more than 300 pupils in Niger and Kebbi states, and the kidnapping of 38 worshippers from the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, who have since regained their freedom.
To strengthen national security, Akinyemi proposed suspending provisions of the Armed Forces Act 2004 that mandate compulsory retirement after 35 years of service or upon reaching the age of 60. He argued that recalling recently retired military officers would help bolster troop strength nationwide.
“I respectfully call on His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to suspend the enforcement of the Armed Forces Act 2004 provision—an inherited British-era policy—that mandates the retirement of military personnel after 35 years of service or upon attaining 60 years of age,” he said.
Akinyemi said similar policy adjustments were made during the Second World War and Nigeria’s Civil War to meet urgent national security demands.
He also recommended a nationwide recruitment drive to expand the armed forces and ensure adequate garrisoning of every state and zone. “This is essential to restoring confidence, stability, and territorial control across the federation,” he added.
Beyond troop expansion, Akinyemi urged the President to declare a national emergency on security. As part of the emergency framework, he proposed suspending constitutional immunity for governors in states where terrorist groups continue to operate without restraint. According to him, states unable to curb terrorism may need to be temporarily placed under military administration.
“During this period, constitutional immunity for governors should be suspended so that any governor under whose jurisdiction terrorist groups operate freely and with impunity can be held accountable. Where necessary, such a state may be temporarily placed under military administration to restore order and protect citizens,” he said.
The former NIIA Director-General also called for the creation of a military tribunal to prosecute terrorists and their collaborators, recommending the imposition of the maximum penalty when guilt is established.
“Nigeria must not tolerate a situation in which members of terrorist organisations freely appear at social gatherings armed and unchallenged. Our nation’s security demands decisive, coordinated and courageous action,” Akinyemi added.
