The Minority Caucus of the Nigerian House of Representatives has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intensify military operations against terrorists, bandits and kidnappers across Northern Nigeria, warning that the worsening insecurity has reached an unacceptable level.
In a statement signed by the Minority Leader, Fredrick Agbedi, and the caucus spokesperson, Afam Ogene, the lawmakers called for a sustained, intelligence-driven security operation aimed at reclaiming communities, forests and other areas allegedly occupied by criminal groups.
The lawmakers said the Federal Government must move beyond issuing condolences after attacks and adopt a proactive strategy capable of preventing killings, abductions and displacement.
Lawmakers Demand Sustained Military Offensive
According to the caucus, the increasing frequency of attacks across parts of Northern Nigeria requires an extraordinary national response.
The lawmakers called on the President, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to direct the military and other security agencies to conduct coordinated operations targeting terrorist and bandit networks, their hideouts, supply routes and communication channels.
They stressed that such operations should be intelligence-led, professionally conducted and sustained until criminal groups are significantly degraded and abducted Nigerians are rescued.
The caucus said affected theatres of operation should effectively be “locked down” to restrict the movement of terrorists and bandits.
“We are not asking the President to lock down innocent Nigerians. We are asking the Commander-in-Chief to lock down the operational space of terrorists and bandits,” the lawmakers said.
Plateau, Niger, Sokoto and Kaduna Attacks Cited
The Minority Caucus referenced a number of recent attacks as evidence of what it described as the deteriorating security situation in several northern states.
In Plateau State, the lawmakers cited attacks in Mangu Local Government Area that reportedly resulted in the deaths of more than 20 people.
They also raised concerns over an attack in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, where more than 60 worshippers were reportedly abducted during Friday prayers.
In Sokoto State, the caucus said dozens of people, including the Chief Imam of Ungushi community, were killed in an attack in Kebbe Local Government Area.
The lawmakers further cited the reported killing of residents in Naridon village, Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State, as well as continuing violence and reprisal attacks in Katsina State.
The caucus said the attacks have left families separated, displaced communities and created an atmosphere of fear among residents who should ordinarily be able to farm, travel, worship and conduct their businesses without fear.
Oyo Rescue Operation Offered as Security Model
The lawmakers also urged the Federal Government to expand the type of intelligence-led operation recently used to rescue abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
They argued that the operation demonstrated the importance of intelligence gathering, coordinated security action and targeted intervention in tackling kidnapping.
The caucus called for similar strategies to be deployed against criminal networks operating across forests and remote communities in the North.
It said security agencies should combine intelligence gathering with ground operations to identify the locations and networks supporting terrorists and bandits.
Tinubu Urged to Visit Communities Affected by Terrorism
The Minority Caucus also appealed to President Tinubu to increase his physical presence in communities affected by insecurity.
The lawmakers said that after visiting Plateau State, the President should consider visiting Zamfara State and Illela to engage directly with communities affected by terrorism and banditry.
They argued that presidential visits could demonstrate solidarity with victims while also providing an opportunity for the Federal Government to obtain first-hand information about the challenges confronting affected communities.
“Nigerians need to see their president physically present in the places where their fellow citizens are being killed and abducted,” the caucus said.
Opposition Lawmakers Propose $5 Billion Security Funding
In one of their most significant proposals, the lawmakers asked the Federal Government to consider withdrawing $5 billion from Nigeria’s external reserves to fund what they described as an “extraordinary national security intervention.”
The caucus argued that protecting citizens should take priority over less urgent government expenditures, particularly given the scale of insecurity facing the country.
It maintained that additional resources may be required to strengthen military operations, intelligence gathering, logistics and other security capabilities.
“The primary purpose of government is the welfare and security of the people, and no expenditure can be more fundamental than protecting the lives and livelihoods of Nigerian citizens,” the lawmakers said.
However, any decision to draw from external reserves would have significant fiscal and economic implications and would require consideration within Nigeria’s broader public-finance framework.
Lawmakers Demand Immediate Implementation of Soldiers’ Salary Increase
The caucus also welcomed the recently announced increase in the salaries of members of the Armed Forces.
The lawmakers said improved remuneration was important for strengthening the morale and welfare of soldiers involved in counterterrorism and other security operations.
They nevertheless urged President Tinubu to immediately submit the necessary amendments to the 2026 Appropriation Act and a supplementary appropriation bill to the National Assembly.
According to them, the legal and financial framework required to implement the salary increase should not be delayed.
The lawmakers said they were prepared to reconvene, where necessary, to consider the proposed measures.
“The welfare of our soldiers cannot be subjected to avoidable procedural delays when the nation is at war with terrorists and bandits,” they said.
Minority Caucus Says Condolences Are Not Enough
The lawmakers criticised what they described as a pattern of responding to attacks primarily through statements of condemnation and condolences.
They argued that the Federal Government must shift from a reactive approach to a preventive security strategy capable of disrupting attacks before they occur.
“President Tinubu has the constitutional authority, the military capacity and the national mandate to act. He must act now,” the caucus said.
The lawmakers called for the rescue of abducted citizens and the dismantling of terrorist and bandit networks responsible for attacks on communities.
Lawmakers Demand Release of El-Rufai
Beyond the security situation, the Minority Caucus also called for the immediate release of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
The lawmakers described his continued detention as raising concerns about the government’s approach to anti-corruption enforcement and alleged that the situation was beginning to resemble political persecution.
The caucus questioned whether anti-corruption measures were being applied consistently, arguing that enforcement should not be influenced by political affiliation or opposition to the government.
It described El-Rufai as a “political prisoner” and demanded his release.
“The fight against corruption must be a fight against corruption, not a fight against political opponents,” the lawmakers said.
The caucus also questioned what it described as inconsistencies in the government’s anti-corruption campaign, including the political backgrounds and public controversies surrounding some individuals associated with the ruling party.
Security Crisis Puts Pressure on Tinubu Administration
The demands from the Minority Caucus add to growing calls for stronger measures against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping in Nigeria.
While the lawmakers’ proposals include increased military operations, additional funding and improved welfare for security personnel, the scale of the challenges also highlights the need for intelligence coordination, community engagement, effective policing, border security and measures to address the economic conditions that criminal groups exploit.
The caucus ultimately called on the President to make the protection of lives and property the central priority of his administration.
It said Nigerians should be able to live, farm, travel, worship and send their children to school without fear of being attacked or abducted.
The lawmakers’ message was clear: the Federal Government must move from reacting to insecurity to preventing attacks and dismantling the networks that sustain terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.