Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has condemned the wave of deadly attacks in Borno, Plateau and several other parts of the country, warning that Nigeria would descend into anarchy if urgent action is not taken.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the forum expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and destruction caused by the attacks.

“The time for decisive action is now,” the statement said, warning that continued inaction or inadequate response could push the country toward “a catastrophic and dangerous slide into avoidable widespread anarchy.'

"For the umpteenth time, ACF regrets that such attacks could be carried out so brazenly. Doubtless, the attacks are rude reminders that the fight against terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria has been ineffective and not reassuring, given the display of crude capacity to wreck misery on hapless communities,” the statement said.

The ACF specifically referenced bomb explosions in Maiduguri on March 16, which resulted in multiple deaths, injuries and widespread trauma among residents.

The forum noted that the incident followed earlier attacks on military formations in the state, where soldiers were killed and critical facilities destroyed and looted.

It also highlighted recent violent attacks in Plateau State, including assaults on communities and the killing of military personnel as well as similar incidents previously recorded in Katsina State, Kwara State, Niger State, and Zamfara State.

According to the forum, the recurring attacks have led to significant loss of lives and property, disrupted livelihoods, and worsened social tensions across affected communities.

The ACF described the pattern of violence as indicative of a coordinated strategy by terrorist groups, including Boko Haram and other extremist elements, aimed at destabilizing communities and undermining security efforts.

The forum said it was “gravely worried and disheartened” by the persistence of such attacks, noting that the situation reflects the ineffectiveness of current counter-terrorism efforts.

While acknowledging efforts by federal and state authorities, the ACF stressed that more decisive action is needed.

It called for a comprehensive overhaul of national security strategies, urging the government to demonstrate stronger political will and intensify military operations against insurgents and criminal groups.

The forum also cautioned against excessive politicization of security issues, urging leaders to prioritize the protection of lives and property over political considerations.

ACF extended its condolences to victims, affected communities, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and the government, while calling for renewed commitment to tackling insecurity across the country.

“The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) is gravely saddened to receive the recent highly disturbing news of a tragic insecurity incident at Borno and Plateau states. Earlier, similar attacks in Katsina, Kwara, Niger, Zamfara and other states had also been recorded.

remains gravely worried and disheartened, almost to the point of despair, about such occurrences. It is most counterintuitive that our communities continue to experience these incidents as they fester unabated.

“The totality of the sordid incidents suggests a coordinated strategy by extremist terror merchants intent on disrupting the semblance of normality that communities have been managing.

“The cowardly attacks have remained hallmarks of tactics employed by Boko Haram, religious extremists, insurgents and criminals, as even they themselves are wont to admit and brag about.

“While not unmindful of efforts from relevant Federal and state agencies to the tragedy but warns that a lot more needs to be done. More doubling down on the efforts to exterminate the insecurity, extremism and “banditry” scourge is clearly indicated and less on politicking.”

Nigeria must not return to dark days of terror – CNG

Similarly, the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) condemned the deadly bomb blasts in Maiduguri, warning that Nigeria must not slide back into the dark era of terrorism, fear and mass killings.

The explosions, which rocked the entrance of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, as well as the popular Monday Market and Post Office areas, have shattered what the group described as a fragile peace in the North-East.

In a statement by its National Coordinator, Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, the group described the coordinated attacks as “barbaric and cowardly.”

“Nigeria must never return to the dark era of bomb blasts, fear and mass killings. Never again!” Charanchi declared.

CNG said the attacks were not only heinous but a clear signal that terror elements, including Boko Haram, are once again testing the resolve of the nation.

The group expressed deep condolences to victims’ families, the government and people of Borno State, and the Shehu of Borno, whose domain has again been thrown into mourning.

Raising alarm over renewed insurgent activities, the coalition warned that the resurgence coincides with the controversial presence of foreign troops in the region, insisting Nigeria has the capacity to tackle its own security challenges.

“Those who fund and sustain terror must be tracked, prosecuted and dealt with ruthlessly—no matter their status,” the group stated.

CNG also urged President Tinubu to cut short his trip to the United Kingdom and immediately return home to take charge of the worsening security situation.

According to the group, the President’s physical presence and leadership are “imperative” at a time of renewed violence.

The coalition called on security agencies to adopt modern technology, strengthen intelligence coordination and move beyond routine responses to decisively crush the resurgence.

It also urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities, stressing that Nigeria must not be dragged backwards into an era of terror.

“The North-East has suffered enough. Nigeria must not be pushed backwards,” the statement added.

Troops fight back

Meanwhile, troops of the Operation HADIN KAI have taken the battle to the insurgents, neutralising more than 80 following a fierce overnight battle in Mallam Fatori, Borno.

The troops, under the Joint Task Force (North East), repelled a coordinated five-pronged attack launched by insurgents on the 68 Battalion location in Sector 3 in the early hours of Wednesday.

The military in its operational report revealed that the attackers advanced in large numbers on foot and deployed armed drones. It said the terrorists attempted to breach defensive positions, particularly along the Bravo Company frontage from the Duguri axis.

According to the report, troops, who had prior intelligence of the assault, mounted a well-coordinated offensive-defensive response, engaging the insurgents with superior firepower and tactical manoeuvre.

“The attackers were overwhelmed, disrupted and forced to retreat in disarray, leaving behind heavy casualties.

“Air support from the Air Component of OPHK, alongside allied Nigerien air assets, provided precision strikes that further decimated the fleeing insurgents.

“A subsequent sweep of the battlefield led to the recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition, including dozens of AK-47 rifles, machine guns, RPG launchers, improvised explosive devices and components of armed drones.”

The report further revealed that in spite of the intensity of the encounter, only four soldiers were wounded in action and have since been stabilised, while battle damage assessment was ongoing.

“Notably, three senior terrorist commanders—Malam Abdulrahman Gobara, Malam Ba Yuram and Abou Ayyuba—were among those killed, alongside several other fighters.

The report described the outcome as a major setback for insurgent operations in the axis, noting that the elimination of key commanders would significantly disrupt their command structure.

It reaffirmed that troops remain in firm control of Mallam Fatori and surrounding areas, dismissing claims of setbacks as misinformation.

Military confirmed that follow-up intelligence and surveillance operations are ongoing, with six suspected terrorist groups sighted moving towards Arege.

It added that exploitation of the area is planned to consolidate gains and prevent further attacks.

NGF condoles with, backs Zulum on recovery efforts

Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has described the attack as heartbreaking and a grave affront to peace, while extending condolences to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum and the people of the state in his condolence message on behalf of the Governors.

“We are deeply shocked and heartbroken by the terrorist attacks that struck parts of Maiduguri, resulting in the loss of many innocent lives,” the NGF Chair said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the people of Borno State. We also wish those injured a swift and full recovery.”

In a statement issued on Tuesday, by Director, Media and Strategic Communications, NGF Secretariat, Yunusa Abdullahi, the Forum’s Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, assured Governor Zulum of the Forum’s full support and solidarity during what he called a difficult moment for the state, stressing that such acts of violence — especially during the holy month of Ramadan — were “a profound affront to our shared humanity and the sacred values of the season.”

The Forum commended the swift response of the Borno State Government, the military, and emergency services, noting that their prompt action helped to curtail further casualties. It also lauded Governor Zulum’s “steadfast leadership and tireless commitment to rebuilding Borno and restoring peace despite ongoing security challenges.”

The NGF said the incident underscored the need for stronger inter-state collaboration and a unified approach to security across Nigeria, urging security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend those behind the blast and prevent future attacks.

“This tragedy is a painful reminder of the need for sustained vigilance and coordination among all levels of government,” Abdulrazaq stated. “The NGF stands firmly with the people of Borno and remains confident that the state will overcome this setback and emerge stronger.”

The blast, which occurred in Maiduguri earlier this week, left multiple casualties and renewed concerns over insurgent activities in the North-East. (The Sun)