Presidency Advised to Consider Strategic Lockdowns as Security Solution

Policy memorandum from CRADI outlines targeted, intelligence-led measures against insurgents and bandits

The Presidency has been advised to adopt strategic, intelligence-driven lockdowns as part of a new framework to counter terrorism, banditry, and other forms of violent criminality threatening national stability.

This recommendation was contained in a Policy Advisory Memorandum submitted to the Federal Government by the Crest Research and Development Institute (CRADI) and authored by conflict and security expert, Isa Mohammed.

The memorandum argues that Nigeria’s worsening insecurity requires urgent, innovative approaches beyond conventional military operations, pointing to lessons from other conflict zones as well as Nigeria’s own COVID-19 lockdown experience.

A Nation at a Crossroads

Nigeria currently faces overlapping layers of violence:

• Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgency in the Northeast.
• Banditry, mass kidnappings, and illegal mining in the Northwest.
• Farmer–herder clashes and communal violence in the North Central.
• Separatist-linked attacks in the Southeast.
• Oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and cult-related violence in the South-South.
• Rising cases of kidnappings and armed robbery in the Southwest.

According to the memorandum, this mosaic of insecurity has eroded public trust in state authority and demands a coordinated strategy that can disrupt criminal networks while safeguarding civilian lives.

“Conventional military campaigns alone cannot address these overlapping threats,” Mohammed wrote. “Strategic lockdowns, when carefully designed, can restrict terrorist mobility, cut off supply lines, and create the operational space for intelligence-led security operations.”

Buratai’s Call Sparks Policy Debate

The proposal builds on a recent intervention by former Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (Rtd.), who called for a nationwide strategic lockdown as a tool to curb rising insecurity.

CRADI responded by convening a Policy Lab under its Co-Creation and Innovation Lab (CCIL), bringing together security practitioners, conflict analysts, governance experts, humanitarian actors, and community stakeholders.

The Lab drew lessons from Nigeria’s COVID-19 lockdown, which, despite its economic costs, succeeded in reducing certain forms of crime and giving security forces a clearer view of population movements. Participants agreed that lockdowns can be effective, but only if targeted, intelligence-driven, and sensitive to humanitarian needs.

Targeted, Not Blanket Lockdowns

The memorandum strongly cautioned against a nationwide shutdown, arguing it would cripple livelihoods without delivering sustainable security. Instead, CRADI recommended zonal lockdowns tailored to local dynamics.

Northeast: Seal borders with Niger, Chad, and Cameroon; enforce curfews around the Lake Chad Basin and Mandara Mountains.

Northwest: Impose lockdowns in forest belts such as Rugu, Kamuku, and Birnin Gwari; ban illegal mining; restrict rural mobility.

North Central: Enforce lockdowns in conflict flashpoints; secure farmlands with patrols; regulate grazing routes to reduce clashes.

Southeast: Introduce night curfews; restrict unauthorized assemblies; secure major highways against attacks.

South-South: Implement surveillance lockdowns along pipeline corridors and waterways to combat oil theft and cult-related violence.

Southwest: Apply tactical restrictions in forest reserves, especially the Ondo–Ogun axis, which has become a haven for kidnappers.

Security and Humanitarian Balance

The memorandum stressed that any lockdown must prioritize civilians’ welfare. Relief distribution, medical services, and humanitarian corridors must be integral parts of the plan.

“Lockdowns cannot succeed if they punish communities more than they hurt terrorists,” the Policy Lab concluded.

Civil society groups, traditional rulers, and religious leaders were identified as key partners in sensitization and community buy-in. International partners such as the United Nations, African Union, and ECOWAS were also highlighted as potential providers of technical and logistical support.

Oversight and Rule of Law

The memorandum insisted that the rule of law and accountability are essential if the strategy is to maintain legitimacy.

It proposed the creation of a Joint Oversight Mechanism comprising parliamentary committees, the National Human Rights Commission, and civil society actors to monitor enforcement, prevent abuse, and provide citizens with grievance platforms.

Security personnel would be required to operate under clear rules of engagement that respect constitutional rights while allowing decisive action against armed groups.

Implementation Plan

The strategy would unfold in phases:

First 3 months: Map security hotspots, enact legal frameworks, and sensitize communities.

Next 3–6 months: Enforce lockdowns, deploy security forces, and provide humanitarian relief.

After 6 months: Evaluate effectiveness, with adjustments made as needed. Successful areas would transition into community policing and peacebuilding efforts, while unresolved hotspots could see extended lockdowns.

Lockdowns would be strictly time-bound, lasting three to six months in any area, with extensions subject to National Assembly approval.

Measuring Success

Quarterly reports would be submitted to the Presidency anthe d National Assembly. Progress indicators would include:

Reduction in attacks and kidnappings.

Arrest or neutralization of high-value targets.

Destruction of terrorist and bandit camps.

Safe return of displaced persons.

Restoration of farming, trade, and socio-economic activities.

Restoring Authority and Stability

In its conclusion, the memorandum framed the proposal as an opportunity for the Federal Government to regain the initiative in its security strategy.

“General Buratai’s call for a strategic lockdown is an urgent reminder that Nigeria must rethink its approach to insecurity,” Mohammed wrote.

“If implemented with strong oversight, humanitarian sensitivity, and clear timelines, strategic lockdowns can help restore state authority, protect vulnerable communities, and lay the foundation for peacebuilding and long-term stability.”

Ekiti’26: Oyebanji Threatens APC EXCOs, Appointees, Crack Down On Opposition

The palpable tension of likely election defeat ahead of the APC governorship election in Ekiti State by the incumbent Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has led to some desperate moves by the Governor and his cohorts in an attempt to subjugate and coerce APC State, LGA, Ward executive members and political appointees in the state.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had in May announced July 20 and August 8, 2026, as the governorship election dates in Ekiti and Osun States, respectively. Following the announcement, Governor Oyebanji has embarked on various endorsements while the government continues to crack down on some APC leaders who are supporters of the current Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Mr. Kayode Ojo.

In a trending video, Governor Oyebanji was seen threatening APC State, LGA, Ward executive members and political appointees in the state as some political thugs loyal to the Governor continue to arrest, harass, intimidate, prosecute, and persecute APC members who are supporters of Engr. Kayode Ojo across the state.

Oyebanji said, “I want to see the Local Government, I want to see the local government Chairman and ward Chairman that will open their door and office to these people. If they are popular, they should go to another party and contest the election.”

In a visibly shaken state, the Governor said, “We need to seize the social media space.” On his appointees who are on social media platforms, the Governor said, “I’m marking them one by one. I am not going to talk now, but be assured that those of you who are on platforms where they are dragging us and keeping quiet, and you are collecting salary from this administration, we will come back to you at the appropriate time.”

The statement of Governor Oyebanji has continued to generate reactions from within and outside the country. Some said, has Oyebanji forgotten that this is a democracy where freedom of speech is guaranteed, a free press state guaranteed by the freedom of information bill, and this is an era of citizen journalism?

While others fumed that, has Mr. Governor turned Ekiti into his personal enterprise where salaries being paid to workers are a weapon for loyalty, even when the Governor has not performed? Are these Appointees his personal staff or working for the state? Has Mr. Governor forgotten that this is a democracy and that he was voted in by the people and that these people can demand accountability at any time?

These are some questions begging for answers.

Governor Oyebanji is being accused by the electorate, especially APC members, of poor performance despite the huge resources resulting from a skyrocketing increase in federal allocations following the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

There has been an increase in infrastructure deficit across all sectors of the state economy, including roads, water, health, education, and agriculture, while business owners are gasping over multiple taxes under Governor Oyebanji.

It would be recalled that the Governor had, on August 11, 2025, sacked more than 90 percent of his cabinet members on what some observers described as a fear of the unknown and political tension of a likely shift of loyalty to another aspirant by some of the sacked cabinet members.

Also, more than ten political appointees, including Mr. Wale Alade-Oba, Mr. Iseal Adesokan, and Mr. Dada Abiodun John, among others, had earlier tendered their resignation letters on what some of them called personal reasons, while others had accused the Governor of running a directionless, exclusive and deceitful administration with majority APC members being sidelined and oppressed.

Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola Welcomes Opposition Members to ADC in Lagos

Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola welcomed a group of opposition members into the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Lagos State.

In his address, Aregbesola expressed his delight, stating, “I’m thrilled to welcome you to our great party, ADC. When like-minded individuals come together, they drive progress.”

Aregbesola emphasized the party’s coalition goal, “Our mission is to lead Nigeria to the promised land by 2027, with God’s guidance.”

He extended a warm welcome to the new members and anticipated more to join.