The House of Representatives has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government, stating that Nigerians may revolt if immediate action is not taken to address the growing insecurity in the country. During a plenary session, lawmakers from regions severely affected by insurgency and attacks by herdsmen criticized the government for its failure to adequately tackle the crisis, despite spending over ₦19.7 trillion on security between 2015 and 2019.
The debate was sparked by a motion of urgent public importance brought forward by Ahmed Satomi, following a fire at the Giwa Barracks armoury and recent attacks on military bases in Borno and Yobe states. The session became emotional, with many lawmakers expressing deep concerns over the government’s inaction.
Yusuf Gagdi (APC, Plateau) warned that elected officials could face backlash from their constituents if the government does not take action. If the government does not respond with action, not just words, no member of this Assembly will be safe. The people may come after us just like they do criminals,” he cautioned.
Ahmed Jaha (APC, Borno) described the dire situation in his constituency, where Boko Haram attacks have escalated. “Ten farmers were killed in Pulka, 14 in Chibok, and military personnel were killed in Izge and Kampu. Boko Haram is using weaponized drones. The army is outgunned and undermanned. I’ve seen it firsthand,” he said. He urged the House to step up oversight, warning that Boko Haram is becoming stronger and better equipped. “If we don’t act now, we could return to the dark days when insurgents controlled 22 of 27 local governments in Borno.”
Zainab Gimba (APC, Borno) supported reports of foreign fighters and drone usage in recent attacks. She shared that during an ambush on a multinational base in her constituency, 20 soldiers were killed, and several of the insurgents were reportedly white. She also criticized the location of military bases in densely populated areas, referencing the recent fire at Giwa Barracks in Maiduguri. “Military bases should not be in populated areas. We are politicizing people’s lives,” she said.
Gimba also raised concerns over the departure of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso from ECOWAS, warning that this could further destabilize the region’s security.
Shettima Ali (APC, Yobe) called for legislation that would allow citizens to defend themselves, given the limited presence and resources of security forces. “Our forces are insufficient and unfamiliar with the terrain. Let’s pass a law to empower people to protect themselves,” he suggested.
Babajimi Benson (APC, Lagos) noted that despite massive security spending, there has been little progress in combating insecurity. “We’ve spent too much without seeing results. Drastic measures are needed,” he stated.
The House resolved to investigate the fire at Giwa Barracks, review security protocols at military facilities, strengthen security operations in Borno and Yobe, and support the families of fallen soldiers. The Committees on Army, Defence, and National Security were tasked with reporting back within weeks.
Meanwhile, Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed grave concern over the worsening insecurity and economic hardship. In his speech at the resumption of plenary, he warned that Nigerians’ patience was running thin.
Akpabio called for urgent legislative action, stressing the need for sacrifice, discipline, and unity. “The people are looking to us not for rhetoric, but for solutions. These challenges require strong, decisive action,” he said. He acknowledged the insecurity in the South-East and North-West, the farmer-herder conflicts in the North-Central, and issues of equity in the South-South.
The rising cost of living, instability in the energy sector, and ongoing insecurity must be addressed. The executive is doing its part; we must complement this with effective legislative action,” Akpabio added. He urged senators to put aside partisanship and prioritize the country’s progress. The Nigerian people and the world are watching. We must lead with integrity and a renewed commitment to peace and progress.
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