“We Are Already in Crisis”: Emir of Kano Sounds Alarm on Nigeria’s Security Woes

By Emmanuel Kwada

The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, has issued a stark warning to Nigerians, declaring that the country is already engulfed in a crisis due to rampant banditry and the persistent threat of Boko Haram.

Speaking at the 60th birthday celebration of former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, the outspoken traditional leader urged citizens to recognize the gravity of the situation, stating, “For all those who are saying we have to be careful before we get into a crisis, please wake up.

We are living with bandits and Boko Haram; we are already there. We are already in crisis.”
Sanusi, a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, emphasized that the nation’s security challenges, compounded by multi-dimensional poverty, have reached a critical point.

He criticized Nigerian elites for their disconnect from the realities of poverty, which he argues fuels insecurity and instability. “The question is not how to avoid a crisis, but how do we get out of it,” he added, calling for urgent action to address the root causes of the nation’s woes.

The question is not how to avoid a crisis, but how do we get out of it

The Emir’s remarks come amid ongoing violence in northern Nigeria, where bandits and Boko Haram have wreaked havoc for years.

In 2014, Sanusi himself faced threats from Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau after urging his followers to resist the insurgents, following a deadly attack on the Great Mosque of Kano that killed over 150 people.

His call for self-defense and resilience against such threats has been a recurring theme, as he previously encouraged communities to arm themselves and not rely solely on military support, a stance that sparked controversy but underscored the dire security situation.

Sanusi’s outspokenness has long positioned him as a polarizing figure. As Emir, he has advocated for cultural and social reforms, including ending child marriage, promoting women’s education, and addressing overpopulation through family planning—views that have clashed with conservative elements in northern Nigeria.

For all those who are saying we have to be careful before we get into a crisis, please wake up. We are living with bandits and Boko Haram; we are already there. We are already in crisis

His tenure as Central Bank Governor was marked by bold anti-corruption efforts, including exposing $20 billion in missing oil revenues, which led to his suspension in 2014.

“For all those who are saying we have to be careful before we get into a crisis, please wake up. We are living with bandits and Boko Haram; we are already there. We are already in crisis.” – 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi Muhammad. pic.twitter.com/ODc5VJbCPD

— Imran Muhammad (@Imranmuhdz) June 1, 2025

As the country navigates this turbulent period, Sanusi’s words serve as both a wake-up call and a challenge to leaders and citizens alike to address the deep-seated issues fueling Nigeria’s crisis. With his history of confronting difficult truths, the Emir remains a pivotal voice in the push for reform and recovery in a nation at a crossroads.

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