House of Representatives Urges Security Chiefs to Intensify Efforts Amid Rising Insecurity
Lawmakers Raise Alarm Over Terrorist Attacks in Adamawa and Zamfara
The House of Representatives has called on Nigeria’s security chiefs, including Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa and Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, to redouble efforts in protecting citizens as insecurity escalates nationwide. This urgent appeal came during Thursday’s plenary session following disturbing reports of fresh attacks in several states.
Representatives Zakaria Nyampa (Adamawa) and Sulaiman Gumi (Zamfara) moved separate motions detailing violent incidents in their constituencies, prompting the legislature’s intervention. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas immediately referred the matters to relevant committees for swift action.
Adamawa Communities Under Siege
Rep. Nyampa disclosed that terrorists had killed at least five people in Tuesday’s assault on Dar and Pambla communities within his Madagali/Michika Federal Constituency. The attackers also abducted several residents, continuing a pattern of violence that has displaced farming communities and threatened food security.
“The absence of sustained security presence emboldens these criminals,” Nyampa stated. “We need immediate military deployment and designation of these areas as security priority zones.” The lawmaker also urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials to displaced families.
Zamfara’s Persistent Banditry Crisis
From Zamfara, Rep. Gumi reported that armed bandits continue to terrorize Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency, forcing residents to abandon their homes. He appealed for federal intervention to prevent further loss of lives and property in the northwest state.
Anambra Killings: Lawmaker Demands Police Investigation
In a related development, Rep. Princess Chinwe Clara Nnabuife (Anambra) has called for an immediate probe into the killing of 10 Ebonyi indigenes in Ogboji, Orumba South LGA. Addressing journalists at the National Assembly, Nnabuife clarified that the violence stemmed from an internal leadership dispute within the Ebonyi community rather than ethnic conflict.
“This was a senseless, avoidable tragedy,” she stated, urging security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators swiftly.
Military Reports Significant Gains Against Insurgents
Notorious Terrorists Neutralized
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced major operational successes between April and June 2025, including the elimination of high-profile terrorists like Amir Abu Fatimah and Abdul Jamilu. Director of Defence Media Operations Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye revealed that troops across various operations had arrested 1,191 suspects and rescued 543 kidnap victims.
Notable achievements included:
- 682 terrorists and their families surrendering to authorities
- Disruption of oil theft worth N3.5 billion in the Niger Delta
- Recovery of over 2 million litres of stolen crude oil
Niger State Security Breakthrough
In a separate operation, Niger State police recovered 50 rounds of anti-aircraft ammunition abandoned by bandits fleeing joint military-police bombardment in Biyemu Forest. Police spokesman SP Wasiu Abiodun confirmed heavy casualties inflicted on the criminals during the engagement near Rijau.
Security Experts Propose Solutions
Community Policing and Public Engagement
Retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police Wilson Inalegwu emphasized the need for community-based policing strategies to combat insecurity. “Security cannot be achieved by force alone,” he told Daily Trust. “We need informed citizens supporting early warning systems.”
Inalegwu recommended:
- Revitalization of divisional police stations
- Mandatory CCTV installation in business premises
- Cross-border cooperation among state governors
Addressing Communication Gaps
Former DSS director Mike Ejiofor identified poor rural telecommunications as a major security vulnerability. “Attackers exploit communication blackspots where victims cannot raise alarms,” he explained, advocating for civilian participation in security matters alongside military solutions.
Recent Security Incidents Across Nigeria
The security situation remains dire nationwide with recent attacks reported in:
- Benue State: Over 100 killed in Yelwata community
- Plateau State: 25 fatalities in Mangu LGA attacks
- Borno, Zamfara, Sokoto: Increased insurgent and bandit activities
As security agencies intensify operations, experts stress that sustainable peace requires both military action and community-based strategies to address the root causes of violence.
Credit: Daily Trust