Nigeria’s insecurity worsens as FENRAD calls for security vote transparency, national emergency

Stanley Ihedigbo

Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD), expressed profound concern over the worsening security situation across the country.

According to the Executive Director, FENRAD, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, violent crimes ranging from kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, communal clashes, ritual killings, and armed robbery have reached unprecedented levels, endangering citizens and undermining national stability.

Recent waves of mass abductions, attacks on communities, ambushes on security personnel, and the spread of armed groups across multiple regions point to a severe breakdown in Nigeria’s security architecture.

Ordinary Nigerians now live in fear, while socioeconomic activities continue to decline in areas hardest hit by insecurity.

Despite colossal sums allocated annually as security votes at both federal and state levels, security outcomes have continued to deteriorate. This contradiction necessitates urgent national introspection and decisive action.

FENRAD hereby calls on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to declare a National Security Emergency to galvanize all institutions of state, mobilize national resources, and prioritize a coordinated response to the crisis.

A National Security Emergency should enable accelerated deployment of security assets to vulnerable communities. Improve inter-agency coordination and intelligence sharing.

Fast-track emergency funding, logistics, and procurement tied strictly to measurable results. Mandate state and local governments to adopt harmonized security strategies.

Bring together traditional institutions, civil society, and community groups in a unified security framework. Nigeria stands at a critical juncture where extraordinary measures are required to confront extraordinary insecurity.

They call for a comprehensive review and accountability of security votes. Security votes, amounting to hundreds of billions of naira annually, remain opaque and unaccounted for, despite alarming insecurity nationwide. The public has a right to know how these funds are spent.

FENRAD calls for, immediate disclosure of security vote allocations and expenditures by the Presidency and all State Governors.

A statutory framework defining acceptable security-related spending, annual audits by constitutionally empowered bodies and publication of audit outcomes.

An independent oversight mechanism involving civil society and the National Assembly and outcome-based security budgeting, linking expenditure to concrete improvements in safety indicators.

It is indefensible that citizens continue to pay ransoms while security agencies remain under-equipped despite enormous budgetary allocations.

Addressing failures in the security architecture, the current security crisis exposes deep-rooted structural weaknesses, including poor intelligence gathering, inadequate equipment, overlapping mandates, low morale among security agents, and a lack of community engagement.

FENRAD urged, the strengthening of intelligence-led policing and modern surveillance systems.

A legally regulated state and community policing framework to bolster local security. Better welfare, training, and professional support for frontline security personnel.

A clear demonstration of political will to dismantle criminal networks across all regions.

Failure to act decisively risks further loss of lives, mass displacement, food insecurity, economic decline, and erosion of public trust in the state.

A nation cannot develop where citizens live in constant fear and where criminality outpaces governance.

The declaration of a National Security Emergency, coupled with full transparency in security spending, is a necessary and urgent step toward restoring peace and confidence.

FENRAD stands firmly with victims of insecurity across the country and reaffirms its commitment to advocating for justice, human rights, and effective governance.

The time has come for bold, accountable, and people-focused action. Nigeria must act—and must act now—to reclaim its security and safeguard its future.