General Lucky Irabor urges Nigeria to officially declare war on bandits, saying a legal declaration is vital for unity and decisive victory against terror
Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (rtd), has urged the Federal Government to declare war on bandits and insurgents tormenting communities across Nigeria.
He said a formal declaration would mark a turning point in the country’s long struggle against insecurity and terrorism.
Appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday night, Irabor noted that although Nigeria faces large-scale violence, there is still no legal instrument indicating that the country is officially at war.
“There are no legal instruments indicating that Nigeria is at war. We’re only assuming that we are at war,” he said.
According to the former Defence Chief, Nigeria’s failure to declare war on bandits has limited the nation’s ability to mobilize the full strength of its national power.
He explained that a legal declaration would unify the military, economic, and political arms of government toward one strategic objective — victory over terror.
“Of course, there is a need to declare war in order to aggregate all elements of state power directly to the war effort,” Irabor stated.
He added that such a declaration would bring transparency, accountability, and efficiency to the management of defence resources.
“It will make a huge difference because resources will now be properly channelled, and accountability frameworks can be clearly outlined,” he emphasized.
Irabor stressed that declaring war would not only authorize stronger military operations but also ensure inter-agency coordination under one command structure — a move he said is crucial for success.
The retired general warned that while force is necessary, Nigeria’s security problems go beyond military intervention.
He called for a national approach that addresses the root causes of insecurity — poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, and inequality.
“It is not just the military line of operation,” Irabor explained.
“We must deploy the full elements of state power — economic, social, and diplomatic — to complement military strength.”
Drawing insights from his recent book, “Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum,” Irabor said the country must prioritize education and youth empowerment to curb the recruitment of vulnerable individuals by criminal networks.
“If we can reduce the number of out-of-school children and unemployed youths, we’ll drastically shrink the pool of people available for recruitment by criminal groups,” he said.
Irabor maintained that formally deciding to declare war on bandits would bring greater accountability and measurable results within the defence and security sectors.
He explained that a structured war declaration would guide resource allocation, clarify operational goals, and create a results-driven framework.
He rejected the notion that the military profits from prolonged conflict, insisting that security operations are costly but necessary for national survival.
“The cost of maintaining peace is high, but it’s a price we must pay if we want to secure our future,” he said.
The former Defence Chief warned political leaders against politicizing security matters. According to him, political games and inconsistent policies have weakened Nigeria’s fight against insecurity.
“Political leaders must understand that their actions and inactions contribute to the insecurity we face,” Irabor warned.
“Security should never be politicized.”
He urged policymakers to act with courage and unity, saying that national security should rise above partisan interests.
“Declaring war on bandits would send a powerful message that Nigeria is united, focused, and ready to win,” he added.
Irabor emphasized that a decision to declare war on bandits would symbolize a national rebirth — a call for every institution, ministry, and citizen to take part in the war effort.
He explained that insecurity is not just a military challenge but a national crisis that requires the commitment of every Nigerian.
“Declaring war formally will not only empower the military but also energize the entire nation,” he said.
“It will make every ministry, agency, and citizen understand their role in this fight.”
Security analysts agree that Nigeria’s fragmented security structure has hindered coordination and sustained results.
A formal declaration, as Irabor advocates, could establish the framework needed for total national mobilisation.
For more than a decade, Nigeria has faced relentless violence from Boko Haram insurgents, bandits, and kidnappers, particularly in the northern regions.
Thousands have been killed, millions displaced, and vast farmlands abandoned — aggravating food insecurity and poverty.
Despite multiple military operations and government efforts, insecurity persists. Many experts believe Irabor’s proposal could redefine the national security strategy by providing clarity, structure, and purpose.
General Lucky Irabor’s appeal to declare war on bandits is more than a military recommendation — it is a call for political will, social inclusion, and moral responsibility.
His message is that Nigeria cannot continue fighting insecurity informally or reactively. It must legally recognize, organize, and strategically prosecute the war it is already fighting.
The retired General’s position echoes a broader national sentiment: that peace will not come from force alone but through a unified, coordinated, and accountable approach.
Declaring war formally would not just mark a legal shift — it would represent a renewed national commitment to end insecurity and reclaim peace across Nigeria.
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