In a strongly worded statement delivered during the Forum's 79th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the ACF Secretariat in Kaduna on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, ACF National Chairman, Mamman Mike Osuman, SAN, described the situation as "grave, devastating, and deeply troubling."
Osuman highlighted that terrorism, armed banditry, insurgency, and kidnapping have intensified across several states, including Southern Kaduna, Katsina, Kwara, Benue, and other parts of the region.
He noted that these threats have led to widespread displacement of communities, forced closure of schools in affected areas, abandonment of farmlands, and severe disruption of rural livelihoods and economic activities.
"The consequences have been severe, with families and entire communities violently uprooted and displaced," Osuman stated. "Travel has become unsafe in many parts, discouraging access to healthcare, markets, and essential services.
Overcrowded camps and informal settlements have heightened risks of malnutrition, disease, and mortality."
The ACF Chairman emphasized that the persistent violence has exacerbated poverty and hunger, compounding existing challenges such as the alarming number of out-of-school children and broader socio-economic hardships.
He further observed that the security situation has deteriorated to the point where external military assistance has been required in some instances, underscoring the urgency of the crisis.
While acknowledging efforts by security agencies, Osuman called on the Federal Government, state governments, and all relevant stakeholders to intensify decisive actions to restore peace, protect lives and property, and enable safe return of displaced persons to their communities.
He stressed the need for proactive, action-oriented approaches from ACF state chapters and northern leaders.
The Forum also cautioned political actors against diverting attention to early strategizing for the 2027 general elections at the expense of addressing these pressing emergencies. "Communities are battling out-of-school children, hunger, poverty, banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism," Osuman warned. "Political manoeuvrings must not overshadow these life-threatening issues."
The Arewa Consultative Forum reiterated its commitment to advocating for the welfare and development of Northern Nigeria and urged all Nigerians to support collaborative efforts toward lasting peace, economic recovery, and improved living conditions in the region.