Tinubu Urged to Launch Comprehensive Security Operation Against Bandits

The House of Representatives has made a passionate appeal to President Bola Tinubu to deploy a robust and aggressive security strategy to root out bandits and kidnappers from their hideouts across the country. This call to action follows the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance presented by Ibe Osonwa, the representative of Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency in Abia State, during a plenary session on Tuesday. Osonwa's 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,' expressed deep concern over the escalating wave of kidnappings and banditry that have been terrorizing vulnerable communities nationwide. The lawmaker reminded the Federal Government of its constitutional responsibility to protect citizens, as enshrined in 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.' He lamented the growing trend of attacks on schools, noting that the abduction of schoolchildren has disrupted education and exacerbated Nigeria's out-of-school children crisis. Thousands of children have been forced out of classrooms due to fear of attacks, while many families continue to grapple with the trauma of kidnappings and prolonged captivity of loved ones. Osonwa decried the systematic targeting of schools and places of worship by criminal elements, warning that these institutions, traditionally regarded as safe havens, have become soft targets for bandits and kidnappers. The lawmaker also highlighted the economic consequences of insecurity, stating that many businesses have shut down, farming communities have been deserted, and families have been plunged into poverty as they struggle to raise ransom payments for abducted relatives. Following deliberations, the House condemned the continued banditry, mass abductions, and attacks on schools and churches across Nigeria. The lawmakers resolved to transmit an urgent appeal to President Tinubu, reminding him of his oath to protect the lives and property of Nigerians. The House specifically demanded the immediate deployment of a comprehensive security strategy to dismantle bandits' strongholds, secure vulnerable schools and places of worship, and ensure the unconditional release of citizens held captive by criminal groups. In a strongly worded resolution, the lawmakers declared that if the administration fails to halt the worsening security situation and restore public confidence within a clearly defined timeframe, the service chiefs should honourably resign from office, having failed to fulfil the primary purpose of government as mandated by the Constitution. The House also mandated its Committees on Defence, National Security and Intelligence, and Army to intensify oversight of the implementation of the resolutions and report back within two weeks for further legislative action. Nigeria has been battling multiple security challenges, including banditry, terrorism, kidnapping for ransom, and communal violence, particularly in parts of the North-West, North-Central, and North-East regions. In recent years, mass abductions of students from schools in Kaduna, Niger, Zamfara, and other states have drawn widespread national and international concern, prompting repeated calls for stronger security measures to protect educational institutions and vulnerable communities.