The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has urged President Bola Tinubu to take quick and strong action against the growing wave of terrorism, banditry, killings and abductions in Northern Nigeria.
The caucus said the number of attacks is too much. Nigerians are being killed in their homes, farms, and communities, while others are taken away during religious services.
This call was made in a statement signed by Fredrick Agbedi, Leader of the Minority Caucus, and Afam Ogene, its spokesperson, on Thursday.
The lawmakers want Mr Tinubu to carry out a sustained military operation based on intelligence to reclaim areas taken over by terrorists, bandits, and other criminal groups.
They said the government cannot just respond to attacks with statements of condemnation after each incident.
“The scale and frequency of the attacks have become intolerable,” the lawmakers noted. They said families have been torn apart, children taken from schools, and entire communities forced to leave their homes.
The caucus pointed to recent attacks in several states as proof of the worsening security situation.
In Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, over 20 people were killed in recent attacks, including at least 23 victims in one incident.
They also mentioned the attack on communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, where armed men reportedly took away more than 60 worshippers during Friday prayers.
The lawmakers said many of those taken are still unaccounted for.
In Sokoto State, the caucus reported that at least 40 people, including the Chief Imam of Ungushi community, were killed in an attack in Kebbe Local Government Area.
They also mentioned the killing of at least 30 people in Naridon village, Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State. They noted that bandits' reprisals continue to take lives in Katsina State.
Demand for Military Action
The lawmakers want Mr Tinubu to use the strategy that worked to rescue schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on a larger scale.
According to the caucus, the victims were saved through an intelligence-led operation that targeted the kidnappers’ networks and hideouts.
They called for affected areas to be “locked down” to stop terrorists and bandits from moving freely.
The lawmakers urged the military and other security agencies to search forests, hideouts, and areas where these groups operate. They want to cut off their supply lines and communications and continue operations until the criminals are neutralized and abducted citizens rescued.
“We are not asking the President to lock down innocent Nigerians. We are asking the Commander-in-Chief to lock down the operational space of terrorists and bandits,” they said.
The caucus insisted that the operation must be based on intelligence, done professionally, and carried out continuously.
Tinubu Should Visit Affected Areas
The lawmakers also asked Mr Tinubu to show more presence in communities facing insecurity.
They said since the president visited Plateau State, he should go to Zamfara State and visit Illela to connect with communities affected by terrorism and banditry.
“Nigerians need to see their president physically present in the places where their fellow citizens are being killed and abducted,” the caucus said.
They described this visibility as necessary during a national security emergency.
Call for Security Funding
The lawmakers called on the federal government to provide whatever resources are needed to fight against terrorism and banditry.
They suggested that the government use $5 billion from the country’s external reserves for an “extraordinary national security intervention” if money is a problem.
The caucus argued that protecting citizens should be the government’s top job.
“The primary purpose of government is the welfare and security of the people, and no expenditure can be more fundamental than protecting the lives and livelihoods of Nigerian citizens,” it said.
Push for Soldiers’ Salary Increase
The lawmakers welcomed the recent salary increase for members of the Armed Forces. They see it as a good step to improve soldiers' welfare and morale.
However, they urged the president to quickly send the necessary amendment to the National Assembly to provide the legal and financial framework for the salary increase.
The caucus said they are ready to meet with other lawmakers immediately to discuss the issue if needed.
“The welfare of our soldiers cannot be subjected to avoidable procedural delays when the nation is at war with terrorists and bandits,” it said.
Call for Stronger Action
The caucus said Nigeria has reached a point where stronger action is needed to protect citizens.
They said Nigerians need security, not just repeated condolences. They urged the president to move from reacting to attacks to preventing them.
“President Tinubu has the constitutional authority, the military capacity, and the national mandate to act. He must act now,” the lawmakers said.
“The bloodshed in Northern Nigeria must stop. The abducted must be rescued. The terrorists and bandits must be defeated. And every Nigerian, regardless of where they live, must be able to sleep, farm, travel, worship and send their children to school without fear.”
Demand for El-Rufai’s Release
The lawmakers also called for the immediate release of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai. They described his continued detention as looking like political persecution.
The caucus said their concern goes beyond Mr El-Rufai to the credibility of the federal government’s anti-corruption efforts.
They questioned the government’s commitment to a fair anti-corruption fight, citing the composition of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council and the roles given to people with serious corruption allegations.
The lawmakers argued that holding Mr El-Rufai raises questions about whether anti-corruption actions are applied consistently.
They called Mr El-Rufai a “political prisoner” and demanded his immediate release.
“The fight against corruption must be a fight against corruption, not a fight against political opponents,” the caucus said.
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