Talata Mafara Levy: ISN Declares National Emergency, Demands Whole-of-Society War on Banditry
By Matthew Eloyi
The Institute of Security, Nigeria (ISN) has declared a national security emergency over the escalating wave of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and violent attacks across the country, urging the Federal and state governments to adopt a coordinated “whole-of-society” response.
The institute made the call while reacting to the reported invasion of Talata Mafara market in Zamfara State, where non-state actors allegedly imposed a ₦50 million levy and demanded 100 livestock, giving traders and residents a seven-day ultimatum.
Describing the development as more than ordinary criminality, the ISN said the imposition of levies by armed groups amounted to an attack on the authority of the Nigerian state and posed a serious threat to livelihoods, economic activity and national cohesion.
In a statement signed by its Deputy President and Chief Executive Officer, Barr. Adebayo Akinade, the institute said the situation underscored the need for urgent action beyond conventional military operations.
It said kinetic operations alone could not defeat the growing threat, stressing that security agencies, governments, communities, traditional institutions, businesses and civil society organisations must work together.
The ISN urged the Federal and state governments to treat banditry levies and market invasions as acts of terrorism and economic sabotage, while establishing a coordinated security framework linking federal forces, state security outfits and vetted community guards.
It also called for increased investment in tactical mobility, drones, night-vision equipment and air support for frontline states, including Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Niger, Kaduna and Plateau.
The institute further proposed the establishment of a special victims’ support and livelihood restoration fund for communities affected by terrorism, kidnapping and banditry.
For security agencies, the ISN recommended a shift towards predictive and intelligence-led policing, including the infiltration of criminal networks operating around markets and livestock-rustling value chains.
It also advocated the dismantling of criminal logistics and levy networks, regulated livestock markets and a rapid-response mechanism supported by visible air patrols.
The institute called for strengthened community early-warning systems and the creation of joint peace and security forums at the local government level involving traditional rulers, farmers, market unions and religious groups.
It urged citizens to reject ransom and illegal levies where possible and promptly report threats and attacks to security authorities, while preserving evidence and supporting victims psychologically.
On institutional reforms, the ISN proposed the establishment of a National Security Fusion Centre with state-level desks, special courts for terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, geo-fencing of forests, livestock-tracking technology and a citizen security-reporting application.
The institute also called for the full implementation of the ISN Act to license and regulate security practitioners.
The ISN said it remained ready to support government, security agencies and communities through research, professional training, policy advisory services and certification aimed at strengthening public trust and restoring security.
“The situation is a national emergency,” the institute said, warning that the expansion of criminal economies through levies, extortion and attacks on markets and livelihoods could further undermine Nigeria’s economic stability and national cohesion.