The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, on Friday called on President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on insecurity in Nigeria, saying the situation continues to affect the safety of citizens, especially students, across the country.
The call was made in Abuja through a statement issued by the Senate President of NANS, Usman Nagwaza. The student body said it was worried about the rising cases of violence, kidnapping, and criminal attacks and urged the President to take urgent and stronger action to restore safety nationwide.
NANS asked the Federal Government to give full backing to the Ministry of Defence and provide the armed forces with the needed authority and resources to intensify operations against criminal groups threatening lives and property. The association stated that its position was driven by concern for national security and not support for violence or criminal acts.
The students’ body also appealed to Nigerians to support security agencies and avoid actions that could weaken efforts to tackle insecurity. It warned against campaigns aimed at damaging the image of public officials, noting that such actions could distract from the fight against crime.
Reacting to claims linking the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to banditry, NANS dismissed the allegations as false and politically driven. The association said the minister was being targeted unfairly at a time when unity was needed to confront security challenges.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government said it has continued to strengthen security operations across the country. According to the government, military assets have been deployed to combat threats, with several armored vehicles refurbished and plans underway to acquire more modern equipment, including drones and protected vehicles.
President Tinubu recently appointed General Christopher Musa as Minister of Defence, assigning him the task of improving coordination among security agencies and ensuring a stronger national response to insecurity.