The House of Representatives has issued a stark warning to the Federal Government, cautioning that Nigerians may rise in protest if urgent steps are not taken to address the escalating insecurity across the country.
The warning came during a heated plenary session, where lawmakers—particularly from states ravaged by insurgency and herdsmen attacks—criticized the Presidency for its inadequate response to the security crisis, despite reports that over ₦19.7 trillion was spent on security between 2015 and 2019.
The debate was sparked by a motion of urgent public importance presented by Rep. Ahmed Satomi, following a fire incident at the Giwa Barracks armoury and renewed attacks on military facilities in Borno and Yobe States. The session quickly became emotional, with multiple lawmakers expressing alarm over the state of national security.
Rep. Yusuf Gagdi (APC, Plateau) warned of public backlash, saying: “Until government responds with action, not just statements, no member of this Assembly is safe. The people may come after us the same way they go after criminals.”
Rep. Ahmed Jaha (APC, Borno) described the dire situation in his constituency, reporting that Boko Haram insurgents recently slaughtered farmers and killed soldiers while deploying weaponized drones. “The army is outgunned and undermanned. They are back and worse than before. If we don’t act, we may return to the dark days when insurgents controlled most of Borno.”
Rep. Zainab Gimba (APC, Borno) confirmed reports of foreign fighters and drone use during recent attacks, revealing that white foreign nationals were among the insurgents involved in an ambush that left 20 soldiers dead. She also raised concerns over military bases being located in densely populated areas like Maiduguri.
Gimba warned that the recent withdrawal of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso from ECOWAS had weakened regional cooperation, creating greater threats for Nigeria’s border communities.
Rep. Shettima Ali (APC, Yobe) called for legislation to empower Nigerians to defend themselves, citing the overstretched capacity and limited terrain knowledge of the armed forces.
Rep. Babajimi Benson (APC, Lagos) questioned the return on massive security investments. “Drastic measures are needed. We’ve spent too much without seeing progress.”
Following the debate, the House resolved to:
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Investigate the Giwa Barracks fire,
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Review security protocols at military installations,
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Enhance military operations in Borno and Yobe,
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Support families of fallen soldiers, and
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Mandate the Committees on Army, Defence, and National Security to report back within weeks.
Meanwhile, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in his address at the Senate’s plenary resumption, echoed concerns over insecurity and economic hardship, warning that the public’s patience is wearing thin.
“Our people look to us not for rhetoric, but for rescue,” he said, urging lawmakers to rise above political lines and deliver practical, lasting solutions.
Akpabio acknowledged growing instability across all regions and highlighted the need for legislative discipline and unity. “The world is watching. We must lead with integrity, patriotism, and a renewed commitment to peace and progress.”
