The Institute of Security Nigeria, ISN, has condemned the reported imposition of a N50 million levy and demand for 100 livestock by non-state actors at Talata Mafara Market in Zamfara State.
In a statement signed by its Deputy President and Chief Executive, Barrister Adebayo Akinade, the institute described the development as an “act of war against the Nigerian state and its people.”
The ISN said the reported seven-day ultimatum issued to traders and residents required urgent government intervention, describing the situation as a national emergency.
It said the continued activities of terrorists, bandits and kidnappers were destroying lives, livelihoods, farms and markets while creating a parallel criminal economy capable of undermining national security and economic stability.
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The institute called on the Federal and Zamfara State governments to treat banditry levies and market invasions as terrorism and economic sabotage, backed by coordinated security operations.
It also called for a state-led security coordination framework linking federal security agencies, state security outfits and vetted community guards.
The ISN urged the government to equip frontline states, including Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Niger, Kaduna and Plateau, with tactical mobility assets, drones, night-vision equipment and attack helicopters.
The institute further advocated intelligence-led policing, including efforts to infiltrate criminal logistics networks and dismantle structures involved in the collection of levies and cattle rustling.
It also recommended the reintroduction of regulated livestock markets and the establishment of rapid-response mechanisms supported by air patrols.
The ISN urged communities to strengthen early-warning systems and establish local peace and security forums involving traditional rulers, farmers, market unions and faith-based organisations.
It also called on citizens to reject ransom and levy payments and report suspected criminal activities to security agencies.
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