The Northern Comrades Movement of Nigeria (NCMN) has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation across the country, warning that persistent attacks by bandits, terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal groups are threatening national stability and pushing Nigeria into a deeper security crisis.
The group made its position known during an emergency national press conference held in Kaduna State, where its National Chairman, Mallam Jabir Ibrahim Yaro, painted a grim picture of the challenges confronting citizens in various parts of the country.
According to Yaro, Nigeria is currently experiencing one of the most difficult periods in its recent history, as communities across several states continue to grapple with widespread violence, loss of lives, destruction of property and large-scale displacement of residents.
He noted that from January to June 2026, numerous communities in states including Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kaduna, Niger, Benue, Plateau, Borno, Yobe and Oyo suffered devastating attacks that claimed hundreds of lives, left many others injured and forced thousands of people to flee their homes.
The NCMN chairman said the situation has become particularly alarming in the North-West region, where armed bandits have continued to unleash terror on rural communities through repeated attacks, kidnappings, cattle rustling and extortion.
According to him, several villages have been subjected to relentless assaults, with residents forced to pay illegal levies to criminal groups in order to gain access to their farms and communities.
Yaro further lamented the growing trend of abductions involving schoolchildren, commuters and local residents, describing it as a major threat to social and economic development.
He warned that the inability of many farmers to safely access their farmlands is already affecting agricultural productivity and worsening food insecurity across affected regions.
“The people of Northern Nigeria and indeed all Nigerians have endured years of banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling, terrorism, Lakurawa attacks, Boko Haram insurgency and other forms of criminal violence,” Yaro said.
“Citizens deserve security. They deserve peace. They deserve a government that responds swiftly and effectively to threats against their lives and livelihoods.”
The organisation also expressed concern over what it described as a renewed wave of terrorist activities in parts of the country.
According to the group, the activities of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) continue to pose significant threats to national security despite years of military operations aimed at degrading the groups.
The NCMN further highlighted concerns over the emergence and growing activities of the Lakurawa armed group in parts of the North-West and North-Central regions.
The group argued that the persistence of attacks by these armed organisations has undermined security efforts and exposed communities to untold hardship.
Yaro stated that despite the sacrifices being made by security agencies, many citizens still live under constant fear due to the frequency of attacks and the apparent resilience of criminal networks operating across different parts of the country.
The movement also expressed sadness over the increasing number of military personnel who have lost their lives in the course of defending the nation.
According to the group, the deaths of senior military officers and other security personnel represent a significant setback to Nigeria’s efforts to combat insecurity.
Among those mentioned by the organisation were Brigadier General Musa Uba, Major General Abubakar Rabe (retd.), Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah, Lieutenant Colonel S.I. Iliyasu, Lieutenant Colonel Umar Farouq, Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko and Lieutenant Colonel Umar Ibrahim Mairiga.
Yaro noted that reports of attacks on military bases, ambushes against troops, deaths of camp commanders and the continued deployment of improvised explosive devices by terrorists underscore the complexity of the security challenges facing the country.
“These losses represent not only personal tragedies for their families but also a painful loss of experience, leadership and institutional knowledge for our armed forces,” he said.
He added that the deaths of highly trained military officers weaken operational capacity and further highlight the urgent need for more effective security strategies.
The NCMN chairman also criticised comments recently attributed to some senior government officials regarding the country’s security situation.
The group specifically referenced remarks reportedly made by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who allegedly linked the worsening security situation to the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel.
It also referred to comments attributed to the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, suggesting that only divine intervention could ultimately resolve the country’s security challenges.
While the organisation did not dwell extensively on the remarks, it maintained that Nigerians are expecting concrete actions and practical solutions rather than explanations for the continued violence.
According to Yaro, citizens are increasingly frustrated by the persistence of insecurity and expect government officials to focus on delivering measurable improvements in safety and security.
The group warned against what it described as the dangerous normalization of insecurity in public discourse.
It argued that repeated incidents of killings, kidnappings and terrorist attacks should never become accepted as a routine part of national life.
“No economy can thrive when farmers cannot cultivate their lands, traders cannot move freely, and investors lack confidence in the safety of their investments,” Yaro stated.
He stressed that sustainable economic growth, job creation and national development are impossible in an environment where citizens constantly fear for their safety.
The movement called on the Federal Government, state governments and local authorities to urgently implement practical, measurable and coordinated measures to tackle insecurity across the country.
According to the group, protecting lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government and should be treated as a matter of utmost priority.
It urged authorities to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve collaboration among security agencies, enhance community policing initiatives and provide adequate resources for security operations.
The NCMN also pledged to intensify its advocacy efforts and civic engagements aimed at promoting accountability and encouraging public officials to take decisive action against insecurity.
“The time has come for decisive action. Enough is enough,” the group declared.
“We are prepared to intensify our advocacy, consultations and civic engagements until meaningful progress is achieved. Silence is no longer an option while innocent Nigerians continue to lose their lives.”
The organisation concluded by reaffirming its commitment to supporting victims of insecurity, standing with security personnel on the frontlines and advocating policies capable of restoring peace, stability and confidence across Nigeria.
It emphasized that achieving lasting security requires collective effort, political will and sustained commitment from all levels of government, security institutions and citizens.
According to the group, only through decisive action and effective leadership can Nigeria overcome its current security challenges and create a safer future for all its people.
