President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a national security emergency in response to the worsening wave of abductions and violent crimes across the country, as the National Assembly firmly rejected any form of negotiation with bandits and terrorist groups.
The declaration followed an emergency security briefing with top military and intelligence chiefs on Wednesday, where the president ordered intensified operations across flashpoint states. He directed security agencies to deploy additional personnel, enhance aerial surveillance and strengthen interagency coordination to tackle kidnapping, insurgency and armed banditry.
At the National Assembly, lawmakers expressed growing concern over the impact of abductions on national stability, education and economic activities. During a heated plenary session, both chambers ruled out dialogue with criminal groups, insisting that negotiation would only embolden perpetrators and undermine the authority of the state.
Lawmakers urged the Federal Government to prioritise decisive military action, intelligence driven operations and strict prosecution of collaborators. They also called for improved welfare for security personnel and better equipment to boost morale and operational success.
Rising cases of mass abductions targeting students, commuters and rural communities have triggered public outrage and widespread fear. Several state governments have also demanded federal intervention as local security structures remain overwhelmed.
President Tinubu, while reaffirming his commitment to protecting lives and property, appealed to Nigerians for continued cooperation with security agencies. He assured that his administration would deploy every lawful means to dismantle criminal networks and restore public safety.
The emergency measures are expected to shape Nigeria’s security strategy in the coming months as authorities intensify the fight against violent crime nationwide.
