- Reps Minority Caucus urged Tinubu to tackle insecurity in Northern Nigeria
- They called for sustained military operations against terrorists and bandits
- The lawmakers also proposed a $5bn security intervention
The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intensify efforts to curb terrorism, banditry, killings and mass abductions in Northern Nigeria.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the lawmakers said the repeated attacks on communities had reached an alarming level, with the loss of lives and displacement of residents worsening fear and insecurity across the region.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the caucus leader, Fredrick Agbedi, and its spokesman, Afam Ogene, urged the Federal Government to launch sustained, intelligence-driven military operations aimed at dismantling terrorist and criminal networks.
The lawmakers referred to recent attacks in Plateau, Niger, Sokoto, Kaduna and Katsina states, where several communities have reportedly suffered deadly attacks and abductions.
They cited the killing of at least 23 people in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State and the reported abduction of more than 60 worshippers in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
The caucus also said about 40 people, including the Chief Imam, Imam Aliyu, were killed in an attack on Ungushi community in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
It further reported that at least 30 people were killed in Naridon village, Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State, while continuing attacks and reprisal violence in Katsina had heightened anxiety among residents.
The lawmakers also raised concerns over schoolchildren abducted in Borno State who have yet to be reunited with their families.
According to the caucus, the Federal Government could no longer rely mainly on statements condemning attacks after they occur. It urged the President to adopt a sustained security strategy focused on denying terrorists and bandits access to forests, hideouts, supply routes and other areas used as operational bases.
The lawmakers called for affected areas to be subjected to intensive military and security operations, while stressing that any restrictions should target the operating space of criminal groups rather than innocent citizens.
They urged Tinubu to expand the approach used in the rescue of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State to other areas facing similar threats.
The caucus also appealed to the President to visit Zamfara State and Illela to meet communities affected by insecurity, arguing that such a visit would demonstrate the government’s commitment to protecting citizens and rebuilding public confidence.
Beyond military action, the lawmakers called for a major increase in security funding. They suggested that the Federal Government could, if necessary, allocate $5bn from the country’s external reserves for an emergency national security intervention.
They argued that protecting lives and livelihoods should remain one of the government’s foremost responsibilities.
The caucus also welcomed the recent increase in the salaries of members of the Armed Forces, describing it as a positive step towards improving the welfare and morale of military personnel.
However, it urged Tinubu to submit the necessary amendment to the 2026 Appropriation Act and a Supplementary Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly to provide the legal and financial backing required to implement the salary adjustment.
The lawmakers said the National Assembly should be willing to reconvene, where necessary, to prevent delays in implementing the welfare package.
The caucus also criticised the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, describing the development as increasingly resembling political persecution.
It called for his release and questioned the consistency of the Federal Government’s anti-corruption campaign.
The lawmakers also criticised the composition of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, arguing that the inclusion of individuals who have faced corruption allegations and public controversies could undermine confidence in the government’s anti-corruption drive.
Despite these concerns, the caucus maintained that its most pressing demand was for the Federal Government to prioritise the protection of Nigerians in communities affected by violence.
It urged the administration to intensify efforts to rescue abducted citizens, dismantle terrorist and bandit networks and restore security across the affected parts of Northern Nigeria.
