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The House of Representatives has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately deploy a comprehensive and aggressive security strategy to dismantle bandit camps, terrorist enclaves and kidnapping networks operating across the country.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Rep. Ibe Osonwa, representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency of Abia State, during plenary on Tuesday.
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 growing concerns over the worsening security situation nationwide.
Presenting the motion, Osonwa lamented the escalating incidents of kidnapping, terrorism, banditry and attacks on vulnerable communities, warning that insecurity had reached alarming levels in several parts of the country.
He reminded the Federal Government of its constitutional obligation to protect the lives and welfare of citizens, citing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.
The lawmaker expressed particular concern over the continued attacks on schools, noting that repeated abductions of pupils and students had disrupted education and worsened Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis.
According to him, thousands of children have been forced to abandon their education due to fears of attacks, while affected families continue to suffer the psychological and emotional trauma associated with kidnappings.
Osonwa also condemned the increasing attacks on places of worship, saying churches, mosques and other religious centres, once regarded as safe spaces, have become targets of criminal groups.
He warned that worshippers now face the risk of abduction and violence while carrying out religious activities, a development he said threatens constitutionally guaranteed rights to freedom of worship and religion.
The lawmaker further highlighted the economic impact of insecurity, stating that many businesses have shut down, farming activities have been disrupted and entire communities displaced by persistent attacks.
He argued that existing security responses appeared largely reactive and inadequate, warning that the inability to decisively confront criminal elements was creating a perception that parts of the country were slipping beyond government control.
Following deliberations, the House strongly condemned the continued wave of banditry, mass abductions and attacks on schools and places of worship across Nigeria.
Lawmakers resolved to send what they described as an urgent appeal to President Tinubu, reminding him of his constitutional duty as Commander-in-Chief to safeguard the lives and property of Nigerians.
The House specifically called for the immediate deployment of an aggressive and sustained security operation aimed at dismantling criminal strongholds, protecting schools and religious centres, and securing the unconditional release of all kidnapped citizens.
The lawmakers also warned that if the security situation continues to deteriorate without measurable improvements within a reasonable timeframe, the nation’s service chiefs should consider honourably stepping down from office.
To ensure implementation of its resolutions, the House mandated its Committees on Defence, National Security and Intelligence, and Army to intensify oversight and report back within two weeks for further legislative action.
Nigeria has continued to grapple with multiple security threats, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping for ransom and communal violence, particularly in the North-West, North-Central and North-East regions.
The recurring mass abduction of students in states such as Kaduna, Niger and Zamfara has drawn widespread national and international concern, prompting renewed calls for stronger measures to secure schools and vulnerable communities across the country.
