The House of Representatives issued a stern warning yesterday, cautioning that failure by the Federal Government to address the rising insecurity across Nigeria could spark a citizens’ revolt. The alert came as Senate President Godswill Akpabio told senators that persistent insecurity and economic challenges are pushing Nigerians’ patience to the breaking point, urging immediate legislative action.
The House debate, triggered by a motion of urgent public importance moved by Ahmed Satomi (APC, Borno), focused on a recent fire at the Giwa Barracks armoury in Maiduguri and escalating attacks on military formations in Borno and Yobe states. Lawmakers from insurgency-ravaged areas accused the Presidency of inadequate action despite over ₦19.7 trillion spent on security between 2015 and 2019. Efforts to obtain a response from the Presidency or National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, were unsuccessful.
Lawmakers expressed alarm over the resurgence of Boko Haram, with Ahmed Jaha (APC, Borno) detailing chilling attacks in his constituency. “In Pulka, 10 farmers were slaughtered; in Chibok, 14 were killed. Boko Haram is using weaponized drones, outgunning our undermanned military,” Jaha said, warning of a return to the era when insurgents controlled 22 of Borno’s 27 local governments. Zainab Gimba (APC, Borno) corroborated reports of foreign fighters and drones, noting 20 soldiers were killed in an ambush in her constituency.
Yusuf Gagdi (APC, Plateau) criticized those downplaying the crisis, warning, “If the government fails to act, Nigerians may turn on elected representatives. We are not safe.” Shettima Ali (APC, Yobe) called for laws allowing citizens to defend themselves, citing inadequate security forces. Babajimi Benson (APC, Lagos) lamented that security spending has yielded poor results, urging drastic measures.
The House resolved to investigate the Giwa Barracks fire, review security measures at military installations, strengthen operations in Borno and Yobe, and compensate affected soldiers’ families. The Committees on Army, Defence, and National Security were tasked with probing the incidents and reporting back within weeks.
Meanwhile, Senate President Akpabio, addressing senators on their return from recess, emphasized the need for legislative action to address insecurity, rising living costs, and energy sector instability. “Communities in the South-East, North-West, North-Central, and South-South face criminality, terrorism, and unresolved issues of environmental equity. Our people seek rescue, not rhetoric,” he said. Akpabio stressed that the Senate is under scrutiny, urging lawmakers to prioritize integrity and patriotism in addressing critical bills on security, economic resilience, and youth empowerment.
As insecurity continues to threaten Nigeria’s stability, both chambers of the National Assembly underscored the urgency of decisive action to restore peace and protect citizens.
