The Arewa Youth Assembly on Thursday called on the Federal Government to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture by providing modern and sophisticated weapons, ammunition, drones, and intelligence systems to security agencies, as part of efforts to decisively tackle insurgency and other forms of criminality.
The group made the call at a press conference in Abuja, where it also decried what it described as the politicisation of insecurity, warning that such actions risk undermining national unity and ongoing counter-insurgency efforts.
Addressing journalists, the spokesperson for the Assembly, Mohammed Danlami, said the increasing tendency to turn security challenges into political tools, particularly during election cycles, is both dangerous and counterproductive.
“We urge President Bola Tinubu to give them (security agencies) more weapons, drones, better logistics and real-time intelligence platforms. Let them finish the job and let them hunt down every political bandit and terrorist operating under any banner,” Danlami said.
He added, “It is deeply troubling that issues of national security are being reduced to political talking points. The loss of lives and destruction of communities should not be exploited for electoral advantage.”
Danlami stressed that while opposition parties have a constitutional duty to hold the government accountable, such engagement must be constructive and not undermine collective national efforts to restore peace and stability.
He further raised concerns over what he described as a recurring pattern of heightened insecurity during election periods, urging authorities to investigate the underlying causes.
“This pattern raises serious questions that must not be ignored. We believe there is a need for a thorough investigation into the underlying causes of these recurring security breaches,” he added.
Fielding questions from journalists, the AYA spokesperson maintained that it is legitimate for citizens to raise concerns about insecurity but cautioned against sensationalising tragic events.
“In a civilised society, no life should be lost unnecessarily, and citizens have every right to demand protection. But turning these tragedies into political capital weakens national unity and distracts from real solutions,” he stated.
The group warned that if insecurity is not effectively addressed, it could have far-reaching consequences, including economic instability and threats to food security.
“There will be no election without Nigeria. If insecurity is allowed to spiral, it could undermine not just governance, but the very foundation of the state,” he further said.
Despite its concerns, the Assembly commended the efforts of security agencies, noting what it described as improved coordination and operational effectiveness in recent months.
“At this critical time, we must recognise and commend the unwavering commitment of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and the service chiefs, especially the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede and the Chief of Army Staff, General Waidi Shaibu. Their leadership, courage, and sacrifice have continued to inspire confidence within the armed forces and among Nigerians.
“Since they took command, hundreds of kidnapped citizens have been rescued without ransom payments in several operations. Major bandit and terrorist enclaves across the country have been dismantled and occupied by troops. The dreaded terrorists of the Lake Chad region have been pushed to the fringes and denied freedom of action through sustained air and ground offensives,” the group stated, noting that the morale of the rank and file has been visibly rebuilt. Soldiers now receive timely support, battlefield rewards, and reinforcement. The era of abandoning troops to die without backup has ended”, Danlami said.
The Assembly also urged the media to exercise responsibility in reporting security issues and called on citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies.
The latest call by the Arewa Youth Assembly is consistent with its longstanding position that tackling insecurity requires a unified national approach beyond political, ethnic, or religious lines. In previous statements and engagements, the group has repeatedly urged Nigerians to support the government and security agencies through intelligence sharing, community vigilance, and constructive engagement.
AYA has emphasised that insecurity is a collective challenge that cannot be solved by the government alone, stressing the need for citizens, community leaders, and political actors to set aside differences in the interest of national survival. The group has also warned that divisive rhetoric and partisan narratives risk emboldening criminal elements and weakening public trust in security institutions.
By reiterating its call for improved military hardware alongside national unity, the Assembly signalled its belief that both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies — including public cooperation and depoliticised discourse — are essential to ending insecurity in the country.