Nigeria’s worsening security situation has triggered rare open criticism within the House of Representatives. APC lawmaker Alhassan Ado-Doguwa accused the Tinubu administration of failing to protect citizens and warned that Parliament might consider shutting down unless urgent action is taken.
Doguwa’s remarks came as armed bandits abducted 10 people in Isapa, Kwara State, and eight villagers in Biresawa, Kano State, in separate midnight raids. Meanwhile, the Kogi State Police urged residents to disregard circulating rumours of a planned bandit attack in Kogi East.
On a positive note, Kebbi State Governor Mohammed Nasir Idris announced the release of 24 girls abducted from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga. President Bola Tinubu applauded the development and ordered enhanced security measures in vulnerable regions, including 24-hour aerial surveillance over forests in Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger States.
Doguwa Blasts Federal Government
During a special plenary session reviewing national security, Doguwa described the crisis as “a complete war against humanity,” criticising the government’s handling of banditry, kidnappings, and terrorism, particularly in northern states. He warned that failure to restore order threatens Nigeria’s political stability ahead of the 2027 elections.
“The security situation in Nigeria today is horrific… If the government is not prepared to do the right thing, this House must be ready to shut down and declare an emergency until decisive action is taken,” he said.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu pushed back, asserting that the House could not be shut down and remains the institution best placed to address the crisis. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas clarified that Doguwa’s comments reflected personal opinions, not formal resolutions of the House.
Details of Recent Attacks
- Kwara State: 10 people kidnapped in Isapa, Ekiti Local Council. Police, led by Commissioner Adekimi Ojo, are conducting search-and-rescue operations alongside local vigilantes.
- Kano State: Armed bandits abducted two men and six women from Biresawa village, Tsanyawa Local Council. Despite prior warnings to security agencies, the assailants overpowered residents.
Security Response
- President Tinubu has ordered 24-hour aerial surveillance of high-risk forests, with coordination between air and ground forces.
- Ondo State’s Amotekun Corps has intensified border patrols and school surveillance ahead of the Yuletide, arresting over 30 suspects during Operation ‘Le Won Jade’.
- Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun visited Niger State to oversee rescue operations for abducted students at St Mary’s Catholic Schools, Papiri. Fifty children have reportedly been rescued, with tactical assets deployed to recover the remaining victims.
Human Rights Concerns
Human Rights Watch urged the government to act urgently to secure kidnapped students and teachers and criticized the closure of Unity Colleges in Katsina, Taraba, and Niger for disrupting learning. The organization stressed the need for early-warning systems and preventive measures to protect students.
Recent Successful Rescue
Special Adviser to the President on Information, Bayo Onanuga, detailed how DSS and military operatives secured the release of 38 worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State, using real-time tracking and coordinated negotiation with kidnappers.
The escalating insecurity has exposed deep challenges for the government and security agencies, highlighting urgent needs for coordinated strategies to protect lives and restore public confidence.
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