The House of Representatives has warned Nigeria’s service chiefs to consider resigning if the country’s deteriorating security situation does not improve within a specified period.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Ibe Osonwa during plenary on Tuesday.
Osonwa raised concerns over the escalating wave of insecurity across the country, particularly attacks on schools and the abduction of students. He noted that the growing threat has disrupted education and contributed to the increasing number of out-of-school children.
According to the lawmaker, thousands of students have been forced to stay away from classrooms due to fear of attacks, while many families continue to grapple with the trauma of kidnappings and insecurity.
He also argued that the inability of security agencies to decisively curb banditry and terrorism is creating the impression that criminal groups are gradually gaining control of parts of the country.
Following deliberations, the lawmakers urged President Bola Tinubu to adopt a more robust and comprehensive security strategy aimed at dismantling terrorist and bandit hideouts, while strengthening protection for schools, places of worship, and vulnerable communities.
The House further resolved that if there is no significant improvement in the security situation within the stipulated timeframe, the service chiefs should honourably vacate their positions.
In a related development, the lawmakers summoned the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, alongside the service chiefs, to brief the House on ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity nationwide.
The resolution followed another motion sponsored by Sulaiman Gumi of Zamfara State. The House said the security chiefs are expected to provide detailed updates on strategies and operations targeting terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes, while emphasizing the need for stronger collaboration among security agencies to better protect lives and property.
