The House of Representatives on Wednesday held a special plenary session dedicated to addressing the escalating national security challenges across the country. The session featured zonal security situation briefs presented by caucus leaders from all six geopolitical zones, each highlighting urgent concerns and proposing legislative pathways for improved national safety.
During the briefing for the South West, Hon. Kafilat from Lagos State called for stronger legal frameworks to reinforce child protection and community safety. “Our governors must do more by providing the necessary laws to strengthen our security network. We must intensify efforts to secure our various federal constituencies,” she urged.
Speaking for the North West, the Chief Whip expressed deep worry over the uncontrolled proliferation of arms in the region. He noted that the availability of sophisticated weapons and the logistics surrounding their movement had made combating insecurity increasingly difficult.
Representing the North East, Hon. Muktar Aliyu appealed for urgent action to safeguard the nation. He emphasized the need for an upward review of security agencies’ remuneration, stressing that those defending the country deserve better welfare. “These officers are laying down their lives to protect Nigerians,” he said.
Hon. Idris Abbas, who spoke for the North Central, delivered an emotional address, revealing that he had personally lost a brother to banditry. He condemned attempts to give religious coloration to the crisis. “Nigerians are dying and being displaced daily. This affects all of us, regardless of faith,” he said. He further noted that infiltration of the policing system by criminal elements such as Boko Haram fighters and armed robbers had undermined national efforts. Citing alarming statistics, he stated: “In one year alone, we have lost over thirty thousand Nigerians. I do not believe in negotiating with these criminals.”
For the South West, Deputy Chief Whip Hon. Isyaka recounted how he grew up without religious barriers but lamented that insecurity had now created divisions. “Banditry has changed the fabric of our society,” he said.
A representative from Ebonyi State, speaking for the South East, identified poor policy implementation as a major obstacle in addressing issues of urgent national importance, calling for deliberate and sustained execution of existing frameworks.
Hon. Solomon Bob, speaking on behalf of the South South, insisted that clarity in terminology is essential. He urged the House to identify violent groups appropriately. “We must call them what they are. Unknown gunmen, bandits, kidnappers—these are terrorists,” he declared.
Following the zonal briefs, lawmakers engaged in a robust debate, drawing from parliamentary perspectives, evidence-based insights, and constituency-level experiences. A consolidated motion capturing the day’s deliberations and proposed legislative actions was presented.
The House subsequently adopted a comprehensive security resolution, outlining agreed actions, timelines, and oversight mechanisms aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s security architecture.
In his closing remarks, the Deputy Speaker reaffirmed the House’s commitment to national security and pledged sustained parliamentary engagement to ensure the implementation of all resolutions reached.
The plenary was adjourned till Thursday.
