The House of Representatives has summoned the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, and the Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, over rising insecurity and the increasing wave of kidnappings across parts of the country.
Lawmakers are demanding a detailed account of defence-related expenditures over the past six months, as well as explanations for what they describe as a lack of corresponding improvement in the nation’s security situation.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance during plenary on Tuesday, sponsored by the member representing Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency, Sulaiman Gumi.
Lawmakers express concern over rising violence
Leading debate on the motion, Mr Gumi lamented the worsening security situation in Zamfara and other parts of the North-West, citing repeated bandit attacks, kidnappings, and displacement of communities.
He said several communities had come under repeated assault, resulting in deaths, abductions, and large-scale displacement of residents.
Lawmakers also referenced multiple incidents across Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, and Jigawa States, describing the situation as a deepening humanitarian crisis.
Calls for state police, cashless policy review
During the debate, lawmakers pushed for urgent reforms to address insecurity, including renewed calls for the creation of state police.
A member representing Jigawa State, Abubakar Yalleman, urged the National Assembly to fast-track constitutional amendments to enable decentralised policing.
Other lawmakers, including Mr Babajimi Benson of Ikorodu Federal Constituency, called for a review of the cashless policy to reduce ransom payments to kidnappers, while Mr Ademorin Kuye of Shomolu Federal Constituency advocated stricter regulation of Bureau De Change operators to curb illicit financial flows.
Defence spending under scrutiny
Lawmakers expressed concern over what they described as a mismatch between rising security funding and the continued deterioration of security in several regions.
They insisted that accountability in defence expenditure is necessary to restore public confidence and improve operational effectiveness.
The House subsequently resolved to summon the security chiefs and ministers at a date to be announced, while mandating its committees on defence and related sectors to review compliance and report back within two weeks.
The House also urged relevant ministries, including agriculture, environment, education, and humanitarian affairs, to explore non-kinetic strategies to address the root causes of insecurity, including poverty, displacement, and lack of infrastructure.
The resolution reflects growing legislative pressure on the federal government to intensify efforts against banditry and kidnapping, particularly in the North-West region, which remains one of the hardest hit by ongoing violence.
Discover more from VOICE OF THE PEOPLE
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
