Insecurity: Nigerians will revolt if nothing is done — Reps warn FG

The House of Representatives has issued a strong warning to the Federal Government, stating that Nigerians may revolt if urgent action is not taken to address the worsening insecurity across the country.

During plenary, lawmakers from areas most affected by insurgency and attacks by herdsmen criticized the Presidency for failing to adequately tackle the crisis, despite over ₦19.7 trillion reportedly spent on security between 2015 and 2019.
The debate was triggered by a motion of urgent public importance moved by Ahmed Satomi, following a fire at the Giwa Barracks armoury and renewed attacks on military installations in Borno and Yobe states. The session quickly turned emotional, with several lawmakers voicing grave concerns about the government’s inaction.
Yusuf Gagdi (APC, Plateau) declared that elected officials could be attacked by their constituents if insecurity persists. “Until government responds with action, not just statements, no member of this Assembly is safe. The people may come after us the same way they go after criminals,” he warned.

Ahmed Jaha (APC, Borno) painted a dire picture of recent attacks in his constituency. “Ten farmers were slaughtered in Pulka, 14 in Chibok, and military personnel were killed in Izge and Kampu. Boko Haram used weaponized drones. The army is outgunned and undermanned. I saw it with my own eyes.”

Jaha urged the House to conduct proper oversight, warning that Boko Haram is resurging with more advanced weapons. “They are back and worse than before. If we don’t act, we may return to the dark days when 22 of 27 local governments in Borno were under insurgent control.”

Zainab Gimba (APC, Borno) corroborated reports of foreign fighters and drone usage in recent attacks. She revealed that during a Boko Haram ambush on a multinational base in her constituency, 20 soldiers were killed. “The commander told me several insurgents were white men. This is beyond local terrorism.”

She also raised concerns about the location of military formations in city centers, referring to the recent fire at Giwa Barracks in Maiduguri. “Military bases should not be in densely populated areas. We are politicizing people’s lives.”

Gimba further highlighted the impact of the recent exit of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso from ECOWAS, warning that lack of coordination poses a greater regional security threat.

Shettima Ali (APC, Yobe) called for legislative action to allow citizens to defend themselves.

“Our security forces are not enough and don’t know the terrain. Let’s pass a law that empowers people to protect themselves.”

Babajimi Benson (APC, Lagos) said the government’s security spending has not translated into results.

“Drastic measures are needed. We’ve spent too much without seeing progress.”

The House resolved to investigate the Giwa Barracks fire, review security protocols at military installations, strengthen operations in Borno and Yobe, and support families of affected soldiers. It also mandated the Committees on Army, Defence, and National Security to report back within weeks.

Meanwhile, Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed deep concern over rising insecurity and economic hardship. In his address during the resumption of plenary, he warned that the patience of Nigerians is wearing thin.

Akpabio emphasized the need for urgent legislative action, stating: “Our people look to us not for rhetoric, but for rescue. These challenges require sacrifice, discipline, and unity. No test must find us wanting.”

He acknowledged the insecurity in the South-East and North-West, the farmer-herder crises in the North-Central, and unresolved issues of equity in the South-South.
“The rising cost of living, instability in the energy sector, and persistent insecurity must be addressed. The executive is doing its part; we must complement that effort with strong legislative action,” he said.

Akpabio concluded by urging senators to rise above partisanship and deliver meaningful solutions. “The Nigerian people are watching. The world is watching. We must lead with integrity, patriotism, and a renewed commitment to peace and progress.”