Several retired senior military officers have expressed support for the call by former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (retd.), urging the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency to effectively address the prolonged Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria’s North-East.
The former Defence Chief made the recommendation in his newly released book titled “Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum.” In it, Irabor argues that the government’s lack of political will has slowed Nigeria’s counter-insurgency efforts and allowed the extremist group to continue wreaking havoc.
According to him, an emergency proclamation endorsed by the National Assembly would allow for full mobilisation of all elements of national power — political, economic, military, social, and diplomatic — to end the war.
“The government had not yet mustered the political will and instruments to declare a war against Boko Haram,” Irabor wrote.
“With an emergency proclamation, there will be greater and more focused attention to galvanise all the elements of national power towards the war.”
Irabor, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, added that victories on the battlefield alone are not enough if strategic leadership at the national level remains weak.
He stressed that tactical operations rarely deliver long-term results in politically driven conflicts without a clear and coordinated strategy.
Boko Haram’s Renewed Attacks
Despite years of military campaigns, Boko Haram continues to stage deadly attacks in the North-East.
Just last week, insurgents overran the border town of Kirawa in Borno State, destroying a military barracks, homes, and the palace of the district head.
The attack forced more than 5,000 residents to flee into neighbouring Cameroon.
In a separate incident, Boko Haram fighters ambushed an army base in Borno, killing four soldiers and setting military equipment ablaze.
Another coordinated assault on Banki town was repelled by joint security forces, though one police officer was reportedly injured.
Governor Babagana Zulum has since called for increased military presence in border communities, warning that the insurgents’ renewed attacks are stretching security forces thin and worsening the humanitarian situation.
More than 2.2 million Nigerians remain internally displaced due to the ongoing conflict.
Military Experts React
Reacting to Irabor’s call, Brigadier General Peter Aro (retd.) described the proposal as timely and necessary, citing Irabor’s deep operational experience and understanding of Nigeria’s security architecture.
He said declaring a state of emergency would help unify and strengthen the country’s counterterrorism efforts, which have often been undermined by political interference and lack of coordination.
“General Irabor’s position reflects the realities on the ground,” Aro noted.
“We need a holistic national effort that combines political resolve with military precision if we’re serious about ending this war.”
A Call for Political Will
As Boko Haram continues to adapt and launch fresh offensives, many observers agree that defeating the group requires more than military might.
Analysts say Nigeria must address the root causes of insurgency — poverty, weak governance, and lack of education — while ensuring that political leaders demonstrate the courage to act decisively.
For now, Irabor’s call for a state of emergency has reignited national debate on whether stronger executive action is the missing link in Nigeria’s 15-year war against terror.