A major northern youth group has called for the immediate removal of Nigeria’s top security chiefs following the United States’ decision to classify the country as a “Country of Particular Concern.”
The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) said the US action reflects a harsh truth about the nation’s worsening security crisis.
According to the group, the development should trigger urgent reforms at the highest levels of Nigeria’s defence structure.
NYCN president, Isah Abubakar, speaking in Kaduna, said the situation can no longer be treated lightly.
According to him, “This designation is not merely a diplomatic observation but a damning indictment of the current inability of the security leadership to effectively contain the escalating threat of insurgency, banditry, and national instability.”
He added that Nigerians have endured enough insecurity and that leaders cannot continue to ignore the danger.
“The time for complacency is over. The safety of Nigerian citizens must take absolute precedence over political considerations,” he stressed.
The group urged President Bola Tinubu to act without delay by removing both Ministers of Defence and replacing them with persons who understand modern security and counter-terror strategies.
Abubakar said, “The tenure of the current ministers is marked by critical failure of oversight and strategic direction in safeguarding the nation.”
He also demanded the replacement of the National Security Adviser. According to him, “The National Security Adviser must be replaced with a more competent, experienced, and proven hand. We strongly advise that this replacement should be drawn from a pool of retired, highly decorated military generals who possess a comprehensive and superior knowledge of the country’s security landscape, capable of injecting the necessary strategic vision and execution prowess.”
The NYCN further criticized what it described as poor coordination among Nigeria’s security heads, claiming the lack of teamwork has weakened the fight against terrorism and banditry.
The group also called for changes in the police leadership. It said the Inspector-General of Police should be retired immediately to pave the way for a total security overhaul across the armed forces and internal security agencies.
Abubakar noted that northern states continue to suffer the highest number of attacks, kidnappings, and killings. He urged the federal government to take bold action and rebuild confidence among citizens.
“The NYCN insists that this comprehensive overhaul of the security leadership is the crucial first step toward restoring public confidence and achieving tangible peace and stability across Nigeria, particularly in the Northern region which has borne the brunt of insecurity.
“We stand ready to support any sincere effort to secure the lives and properties of all Nigerians,” he added.