The House of Representatives has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately implement a comprehensive and aggressive security strategy aimed at dismantling the operations of bandits, terrorists, and kidnappers across Nigeria.
The lawmakers also stated that if the Federal Government fails to significantly improve the country’s security situation and restore public confidence within a defined period, the nation’s service chiefs should consider resigning from their positions.
Motion Raises Alarm Over Rising Insecurity
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Rep. Ibe Osonwa, who represents Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency of Abia State.
The motion, titled “A Call for Immediate Executive Action on the Surge in Banditry, the Daily Abduction of Schoolchildren and the Perilous Security Situation in Nigerian Schools and Places of Worship,” highlighted the worsening state of insecurity across the country.
Presenting the motion during plenary, Osonwa expressed concern over the increasing incidents of kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, and attacks on vulnerable communities in various parts of Nigeria.
Lawmakers Cite Government’s Constitutional Duty
The lawmaker reminded the Federal Government of its constitutional responsibility to protect the lives and property of citizens.
Referring to Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), Osonwa noted that the security and welfare of the people remain the primary purpose of government.
He argued that recent security developments suggest that more decisive action is needed to tackle criminal activities threatening national stability.
Concern Over School Abductions
A major concern raised during the debate was the recurring abduction of schoolchildren in several parts of the country.
According to Osonwa, repeated attacks on schools have disrupted education and contributed to Nigeria’s already significant out-of-school children challenge.
He noted that many families continue to live with the trauma of kidnappings, while thousands of children have been forced out of classrooms due to fears of attacks by criminal groups.
The lawmaker warned that educational institutions, which should serve as safe spaces for learning, have increasingly become targets for kidnappers and bandits.
Places of Worship No Longer Safe
The House also expressed concern over attacks on churches, mosques, and other places of worship.
Osonwa stated that worshippers now face the risk of abduction, violence, and even death while engaging in religious activities.
He argued that such incidents undermine citizens’ constitutional rights to freedom of religion, conscience, and worship.
Economic Impact of Insecurity
The lawmaker further highlighted the economic consequences of the persistent security crisis.
According to him, many businesses have shut down operations, farming communities have been abandoned, and countless families have been pushed deeper into poverty due to insecurity.
He warned that the inability to effectively tackle criminal activities is discouraging investment and affecting economic productivity across several regions of the country.
House Demands Stronger Security Measures
Following deliberations, the House of Representatives condemned the continued incidents of banditry, mass abductions, terrorism, and attacks on schools and places of worship.
The lawmakers resolved to send what they described as an urgent appeal to President Tinubu, reminding him of his constitutional responsibility as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces to protect Nigerians.
The House specifically called for the immediate deployment of an aggressive, comprehensive, and sustained security strategy capable of dismantling criminal networks, securing vulnerable communities, and ensuring the safe release of citizens currently held captive.
Service Chiefs Asked to Accept Responsibility
One of the strongest resolutions adopted by the House was its position on the performance of the nation’s security leadership.
The lawmakers declared that if the government is unable to curb the worsening insecurity and restore public confidence within a clearly defined timeframe, the service chiefs should honorably resign from office.
The resolution reflects growing concerns among lawmakers regarding the effectiveness of current security operations and strategies.
Committees Directed to Monitor Implementation
To ensure follow-up action, the House mandated its Committees on Defense, National Security and Intelligence, and Army to intensify oversight of the implementation of the resolutions.
The committees were directed to report back within two weeks for further legislative consideration and possible action.
Continued Security Challenges
Nigeria continues to grapple with multiple security threats, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and communal conflicts, particularly in parts of the North-West, North-Central, and North-East regions.
In recent years, mass abductions from schools in states such as Kaduna, Niger, and Zamfara have attracted widespread national and international attention, prompting repeated calls for stronger measures to protect schools and vulnerable communities.
The latest resolution by the House of Representatives adds to growing demands for a more decisive and coordinated national response to the country’s security challenges.