Amid a fresh wave of brutal attacks and worsening insecurity in Northern Nigeria, traditional rulers from across the region have issued a strong and unified message: “Enough is enough.” Leading the charge, His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, declared that traditional leaders are more troubled by the killings than most politicians and called for urgent, united action.
Speaking at the 7th Executive Committee Meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council held in Maiduguri, Borno State, the Sultan said it was time to move beyond statements of condemnation to concrete, results-driven solutions.
“We have spoken out many times. We’ve condemned the senseless killings over and over. But how many more times must we cry out before decisive action is taken?” he asked.
The Sultan emphasized that traditional leaders are not rivals to political officeholders but collaborators seeking peace and progress. He noted that the people are tired of faceless attackers wreaking havoc while security forces fail to act swiftly or effectively.
Closed-Door Deliberations on Security Crisis
The high-level meeting brought together over 80 monarchs from Northern Nigeria, with discussions held behind closed doors to focus on the resurging threat of Boko Haram, escalating banditry, and the broader insecurity plaguing the region.
The Sultan cited alarming reports suggesting that Boko Haram fighters are regaining ground in parts of Borno. He expressed hope that with unity among political, religious, and traditional leaders, Nigeria could finally win the war against terrorism.
“Let’s stop pointing fingers. We all have a role to play—from government to grassroots—to end this,” he said.
Violence on the Rise Across Northern Nigeria
Recent weeks have seen a disturbing escalation in violence:
April 14, 2025: Over 40 people were killed in a midnight attack on Zike community, Bassa LGA, Plateau State.
April 12: An IED blast killed 8 passengers along the Maiduguri–Damboa highway.
April 6–8: Attacks in Katsina State left 6 dead and nearly 60 people abducted.
April 6: Boko Haram insurgents attacked Izge village, killing two soldiers and looting arms.
March 25: Raids on military bases in Damboa and Gamboru Ngala reportedly resulted in soldier casualties.
Zulum, Shehu of Borno Sound the Alarm
Governor Babagana Zulum warned that renewed attacks in Borno are reversing gains made in the fight against insurgency. He confirmed that several military bases had been overrun in recent months. Similarly, the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai, lamented that three local governments in the state remain under Boko Haram control.
The governor stressed the importance of youth empowerment in curbing radicalization.
“An idle youth population is a dangerous vacuum. We must invest in skills, education, and entrepreneurship,” he said.
IGP, Federal Government React
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by AIG Kenechikwu Onwuemelie, assured the monarchs of the police force’s commitment to collaboration and community-based security.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government, through Minister of Information Mohammed Idris, refuted claims that insurgents are gaining momentum, asserting that security agencies remain on high alert and are committed to restoring order.
However, evidence from recent attacks, including drone strikes, ambushes, and abductions, paints a grim picture of the security landscape.
Call for Unity, Avoiding Ethnic and Religious Blame
The Sultan also urged Nigerians not to profile criminality by ethnicity or religion. “There are good and bad people in every group,” he said. “Let us not fuel division, but instead unite against those who seek to destroy our nation.”
A Regional Blueprint for Peace and Stability
The conference, themed “Enhanced Security as Panacea for Stability and Development of the North,” marks a pivotal step by traditional rulers to directly engage in shaping security strategies.
The monarchs aim to develop a joint communiqué to be presented to federal authorities, demanding swift action, better protection for rural communities, and support for displaced persons returning home.
