Labour Party presidential candidate and former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has raised a passionate alarm over the deteriorating security situation in Borno State, declaring that the unfolding crisis in the Marte region is a national emergency that transcends political interests.
In a strongly worded statement shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Obi decried the continued assaults by insurgents, describing the insecurity threat as “unsettling and unacceptable.” He also commended Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum for his uncommon courage in relocating to the conflict-hit zone to assess the situation firsthand.
“The security situation in Borno state is concerning and very unsettling. What is happening in the Marte area of the state is not just a local emergency; it is a national alarm bell that must not be ignored,” Obi wrote.
Obi expressed concern that over 300 communities across Marte and surrounding areas remain exposed to terrorist violence, while more than 20,000 people have once again been forced into displacement. He warned that the current situation could spiral into a full-scale humanitarian disaster if left unchecked.
He also echoed Governor Zulum’s recent disclosure that Boko Haram insurgents and ISWAP fighters are regrouping around the volatile Lake Chad axis and Mandara Hills. The governor, during a security assessment tour, had pleaded with the federal government to intervene swiftly to avert the total collapse of Marte Local Government Area.
“Governor Zulum has raised critical concerns: that insurgents are regrouping around Lake Chad and the Mandara Hills; that Marte is on the verge of collapse; and that the window for action is closing,” Obi noted. “These are facts. And it is not enough to acknowledge them; we must respond with urgency and sincerity.”
While praising Zulum’s on-the-ground response, Obi criticized what he called “distant governance” from federal authorities, stating that delayed reactions have historically worsened Nigeria’s security woes. He called on the presidency and national security apparatus to deploy reinforcements and humanitarian support immediately.
“Our security forces need reinforcements. Our displaced citizens need protection, not promises. And our leaders, particularly at the federal level, must show the will to act swiftly and consistently,” Obi stated.
He emphasized that addressing Borno’s security challenges must go beyond token gestures or public relations exercises. “This is not about politics. It is about people. It is about protecting the soul of our nation,” he added.
Obi reiterated his philosophy of leadership being rooted in compassion, competence, and courage, asserting that Nigeria needs a paradigm shift from reactive governance to preventive leadership.
“If we fail to protect Borno, we fail the idea of Nigeria itself,” he warned, highlighting that the suffering of displaced persons and rural communities under siege from non-state actors reflects a broader failure of national priorities.
He called for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s counterterrorism strategy, emphasizing the need for improved intelligence gathering, coordinated regional operations, and investment in socio-economic development in the North-East.
Borno State has long been the epicenter of Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP, with over a decade of conflict leaving thousands dead and millions displaced. Despite repeated claims by successive administrations that the insurgency is in its final phase, sporadic attacks, abductions, and ambushes continue across the region.
Experts believe the resurgence of violence in Marte may be linked to porous borders, internal displacement, and reduced military presence following recent redeployments.
According to a recent report by the International Crisis Group, the Lake Chad Basin remains one of Africa’s most volatile security zones. The report warns that unless Nigerian authorities deepen civilian-military coordination and restore trust among local communities, insurgents will continue to exploit the vacuum.
Obi’s statement joins growing calls from civil society organizations, security analysts, and residents of Borno who have decried federal silence on the matter. In closing, Obi urged all political actors to drop partisan lenses and see the crisis as a threat to Nigeria’s unity.
“A new Nigeria is possible,” he said, “but only if we learn to act quickly, decisively, and justly when our fellow citizens are in danger.”