Dear compatriots,
1. It has become necessary for me to address you on the recent spate
of terrorist activities and protracted security challenges in some parts of
the country, particularly in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi,
Kano, Plateau and most recently Bayelsa, Taraba, Benue and Nasarawa
states. These unfortunate events have led to needless loss of lives and
property of many innocent Nigerians including members of our security forces.
2. The recent killing of security operatives by a cult group in Nasarawa
state is particularly condemnable. I have directed that no effort or expense
be spared in identifying and bringing to justice all those who had a hand in
the killing of the operatives.
3. The activities of insurgents and terrorists have been reprehensible,
causing fear among our citizens and a near-breakdown of law and
order in parts of the country, especially the North. We have taken
robust steps to unravel and address the root causes of these crises,
but it would appear that there is a systematic effort by insurgents and
terrorists to destabilize the Nigerian state and test our collective resolve.
4. Since I returned to the country after cutting short my visit to South
Africa and aborting a planned state visit to Namibia, I have received
detailed briefings from our security agencies. These briefings indicate
that what we are facing is not just militancy or criminality, but a rebellion
and insurgency by terrorist groups which pose a very serious threat to
national unity and territorial integrity. Already, some northern parts of
Borno state have been taken over by groups whose allegiance is to
different flags and ideologies.
5. These terrorists and insurgents seem determined to establish control
and authority over parts of our beloved nation and to progressively
overwhelm the rest of the country. In many places, they have destroyed
the Nigerian flag and other symbols of state authority and in their place,
hoisted strange flags suggesting the exercise of alternative sovereignty.
6. They have attacked government buildings and facilities. They have
murdered innocent citizens and state officials. They have set houses
ablaze, and taken women and children as hostages. These actions
the authority of the Nigerian state and threaten her territorial integrity.
As a responsible government, we will not tolerate this.
7. Previously, we adopted a multi-track approach to the resolution
of this problem through actions which included persuasion, dialogue
and widespread consultation with the political, religious and community
leaders in the affected states.
8. We exercised restraint to allow for all efforts by both State Governors
and well-meaning Nigerians to stop the repeated cases of mindless violence.
9. Yet, the insurgents and terrorists seek to prevent government from
fulfilling its constitutional obligations to the people as they pursue their
fanatical agenda of mayhem, mass murder, division and separatism.
10. While the efforts at persuasion and dialogue will continue, let
me reiterate that we have a sacred duty to ensure the security and
well-being of all our people and protect the sovereign integrity of our
country. Therefore, we shall, on no account, shy away from doing
whatever becomes necessary to provide the fullest possible security
for the citizens of this country in any part of the country they choose
to reside.
11. We have a duty to stand firm against those who threaten the
sovereign integrity of the Nigerian state. Our will is strong, because
our faith lies in the indivisibility of Nigeria.
12. Following recent developments in the affected states, it has
become necessary for Government to take extraordinary measures
to restore normalcy. After wide consultations, and in exercise of
the powers conferred on me by the provisions of Section 305,
sub-section 1 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
1999 as amended, I hereby declare a State of Emergency in Borno,
Yobe and Adamawa states.
13. Accordingly, the Chief of Defence Staff has been directed to
immediately deploy more troops to these states for more effective
internal security operations. The troops and other security agencies
involved in these operations have orders to take all necessary action,
within the ambit of their rules of engagement, to put an end to the
impunity of insurgents and terrorists.
14. This will include the authority to arrest and detain suspects,
the taking of possession and control of any building or structure
used for terrorist purposes, the lock-down of any area of terrorist
operation, the conduct of searches, and the apprehension of persons
in illegal possession of weapons.
15. The details of this Proclamation will be transmitted to the
National Assembly in accordance with the provisions of the
Constitution. But in the meantime, let me make it clear that
within the purview of this Proclamation, the Governors and
other political office holders in the affected states will continue
to discharge their constitutional responsibilities.
16. I urge the political leadership in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa
states to co-operate maximally with the Armed Forces and the
Police to ensure that the exercise succeeds. We call on the citizenry
to co-operate with our security agencies to ensure a return to
normalcy within the shortest possible time.
17. I am again approaching our neighbouring countries, through
diplomatic channels, as done in the recent past, for their co-operation
in apprehending any terrorist elements that may escape across the border.
18. Nigerians are peace-loving people; these sad events
perpetrated by those who do not wish our nation well have
not changed the essential character of our people.
19. I want to reassure you all that those who are directly or
indirectly encouraging any form of rebellion against the
Nigerian state, and their collaborators; those insurgents
and terrorists who take delight in killing our security operatives,
whoever they may be, wherever they may go, we will hunt them
down, we will fish them out, and we will bring them to justice.
No matter what it takes, we will win this war against terror.
20. I am convinced that with your support and prayers, we shall
overcome these challenges and together, we will restore every
part of our country to the path of peace, growth and development.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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