The Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi, has issued a stark warning that Nigeria is currently in the midst of a severe crisis, with citizens already living alongside bandits and Boko Haram insurgents.

Speaking during the 60th birthday celebration of former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, Sanusi addressed those who caution about avoiding a potential crisis, stating that the country has already descended into one.

"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," the Emir declared.

"We are already in crisis, it has already happened, the question is how do we get out of it," he added, emphasizing the urgency of finding solutions rather than merely acknowledging the problem.

The former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) also pointed fingers at the country's leadership for the multi-dimensional poverty plaguing Nigeria. According to Sanusi, the elites in Nigeria remain largely unaware of the depth and extent of poverty affecting ordinary citizens.

This statement comes amid ongoing security challenges across multiple regions of Nigeria, where communities continue to face threats from armed bandits and terrorist groups. Recent incidents reported include killings and mass abductions in states like Kebbi, Zamfara, and Niger, highlighting the severity of the security situation that the Emir referenced.

Sanusi's comments reflect growing concerns about Nigeria's security architecture and the disconnect between the country's leadership and the harsh realities faced by citizens in various parts of the nation.