How Many States Of Emergency Have Been Declared In Nigeria?
Nigeria has declared states of emergency five times since 1999: Plateau (2004), Ekiti (2006), Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa (2013), partial declarations in Yobe, Plateau, Niger, and Borno (2011), and Rivers (2025). These were primarily due to security threats and political crises.
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States Of Emergency In Plateau State (2004)
In May 2004, President Olusegun Obasanjo declared a state of emergency in Plateau State, central Nigeria, after violent clashes between Christian and Muslim communities. It was the first time he had taken such action since Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999.
The violence issue stems from long-standing tensions between Christian indigenous groups and Muslim settlers, mainly Hausa and Fulani communities.
These tensions had boiled for decades but grew between February and May 2004, particularly in Yelwa and Shendam. On February 24, armed Muslims attacked Yelwa, killing over 75 Christians, including 48 inside a church compound.
This was a major turning point in the conflict. On May 2-3, Christian militias retaliated with a massive assault on Yelwa, killing around 700 Muslims. The massacre sparked revenge killings of Christians in Kano.
Since 2001, inter-communal violence in Plateau has claimed more than 2,000 lives. Despite repeated warning signs and previous outbreaks, the federal government failed to act until the situation got out of control.
On May 18, Obasanjo suspended Governor Joshua Dariye, his deputy, and the state legislature, citing negligence in handling the crisis. He appointed retired Major General Chris Alli as interim administrator for six months to restore order.
Emergency Powers Regulations were introduced, giving security forces authority, including the power to detain individuals without written orders and bans on public gatherings.
Obasanjo justified these measures, blaming Dariye’s inaction for worsening the crisis. Critics, however, saw the move as unconstitutional and undemocratic, arguing it weakened democratic institutions and the rule of law.
The emergency rule brought temporary stability. Security forces restored order, peacebuilding efforts began, and aid was provided to displaced persons.
However, when the emergency rule ended in November 2004, tensions remained. Many displaced people had not returned, and justice was still difficult to track down.
States Of Emergency In Ekiti State (2006)
President Olusegun Obasanjo declared a state of emergency in Ekiti State on October 19, 2006, after a political crisis threatened national stability.
The decision came after the controversial impeachment of Governor Ayo Fayose and his deputy, Abiodun Olujimi, by the state legislature.
Local legislators accused Fayose of embezzling public funds and removed him from office on October 16, 2006.
But he and Olujimi refused to step down.
Legislator Friday Aderemi was sworn in as acting governor, but Fayose and Olujimi continued to assert their authority.
The situation grew, with mounting corruption allegations and a growing divide over whether the impeachment was constitutional or necessary.
On October 19, 2006, Obasanjo suspended the state government for six months, effectively removing Fayose, his deputy, and the legislature from power.
He appointed retired General Tunji Olurin as the sole administrator. Olurin, a former commander of the West African peacekeeping force in Liberia, was tasked with restoring order and ensuring a smooth transition ahead of the 2007 elections.
During his administration, peace was maintained, and the elections proceeded. However, the results were contested.
On April 14, 2007, INEC declared Segun Oni of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) the winner, but the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) candidate, Kayode Fayemi, challenged the outcome.
A prolonged legal battle followed, and on October 15, 2010, the Court of Appeal ruled in Fayemi’s favor, officially recognizing him as the rightful winner.
States Of Emergency In Borno, Yobe, And Adamawa States (2013)
In May 2013, President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States, northeastern Nigeria, due to the growing Boko Haram insurgency.
This was a major step in the government’s fight against terrorism. Boko Haram, meaning “Western education is forbidden,” had been terrorizing these states since 2009.
The group carried out attacks on security forces and government institutions. By 2013, the situation had worsened, with Boko Haram controlling parts of Borno State and crippling socio-economic activities.
On May 14, 2013, President Jonathan declared emergency rule to restore order and protect national sovereignty. The military was deployed, with troops authorized to take all necessary actions within their rules of engagement.
Unlike past emergency declarations, the governors of the affected states remained in office, supporting the decision. Jonathan defended the move, stating that Boko Haram’s actions were an attack on Nigeria’s sovereignty and amounted to a declaration of war.
The emergency rule led to extensive military operations against Boko Haram. The government reported successes, but attacks on civilians persisted. Rights groups accused the military of excessive force.
Over 300,000 people were displaced, with many fleeing to Niger, Cameroon, and Chad. In November 2013, the emergency rule was extended for another six months.
Partial States Of Emergency Declarations In Yobe, Plateau, Niger, And Borno (2011)
President Goodluck Jonathan declared a partial state of emergency in specific local government areas of Yobe, Plateau, Niger, and Borno States in December 2011.
The move came in response to violence and terrorist attacks by Boko Haram, which had intensified assaults on civilians and public institutions across northern Nigeria. By 2011, Boko Haram’s insurgency had grown more violent.
The group carried out bombings, assassinations, and armed attacks on government buildings, security forces, places of worship, and civilians.
One of the most notable incidents was the Christmas Day bombings, which targeted churches in Madalla, Niger State, and other locations, killing dozens.
The group also expanded its operations in Borno and Yobe States, attacking police stations and asserting control over parts of Borno. Meanwhile, Plateau State continued to experience deadly clashes between Christian and Muslim communities.
On December 31, 2011, President Jonathan announced a state of emergency in specific LGAs across four states.
In Yobe, Damaturu and Geidam were targeted due to frequent attacks. In Plateau, Jos North, Jos South, Barkin Ladi, and Riyom were included to curb ethno-religious violence.
In Niger, Suleja was selected following the Christmas bombings. In Borno, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Gamboru Ngala were identified as key Boko Haram strongholds.
The emergency was limited to these areas rather than the entire state to focus on localized threats. The declaration led to increased military deployment, with additional troops sent to affected areas to restore order and dismantle Boko Haram cells.
Curfews and movement restrictions were imposed to curb violence and limit militant mobility. Local government authorities in affected LGAs were suspended.
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States Of Emergency In Rivers State (2025)
On March 18, 2025, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, Nigeria’s oil-rich south-south region. The decision came in response to a political crisis and security threats.
A power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, caused political tensions.
Wike’s influence as a former governor and current federal minister is also another reason. Security concerns worsened the situation, with reports of pipeline explosions and militant threats disrupting oil production.
Some militants warned of violence against perceived enemies of the governor. Governance suffered as the legislature and governor clashed, leading to a complete breakdown in administration.
President Tinubu invoked Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, citing a collapse of public order and safety.
He suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the state legislature for six months.
Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, a retired Navy chief, was appointed as the state’s administrator to oversee governance during the emergency period. The president defended the move as necessary to restore peace and stability.
