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 amount to a declaration of war and a deliberate attempt
to undermine 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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