Reps to Service Chiefs: Honourably Resign or Fix Insecurity

The House of Representatives has warned Nigeria’s Service Chiefs to either restore public confidence in the country’s security architecture or consider stepping down if the worsening insecurity across the nation persists.

The lawmakers also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently implement a more aggressive and comprehensive security strategy aimed at dismantling criminal networks responsible for banditry, terrorism and kidnapping across the country.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Rep. Ibe Osonwa, representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency of Abia State, during plenary on Tuesday.

Presenting the 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,” Osonwa expressed concern over the escalating security crisis and its devastating impact on citizens.

The lawmaker reminded the Federal Government of its constitutional obligation to protect lives and property, citing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which states that the security and welfare of the people remain the primary purpose of government.

He lamented the growing wave of attacks on schools and religious centres, noting that thousands of children have been forced out of classrooms due to fear of abduction and violence. According to him, repeated attacks on educational institutions have worsened Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis, while families continue to suffer the trauma of kidnappings.

Osonwa also warned that places of worship, once considered safe spaces, are increasingly becoming targets for criminal groups, threatening citizens’ constitutional rights to freedom of religion and peaceful assembly.

The House further noted that insecurity has severely affected economic activities, forcing many businesses to shut down and causing farming communities to abandon their lands.

Following deliberations, lawmakers unanimously condemned the continued attacks by bandits and terrorists and demanded immediate action. They urged President Tinubu to deploy a coordinated and relentless security strategy to secure vulnerable communities, schools and places of worship while ensuring the unconditional release of all abducted citizens.

The House also directed its Committees on Defence, National Security and Intelligence, and the Army to intensify oversight and report back within two weeks.