…Proposes $5bn security intervention from external reserves

…Demands immediate release of El-Rufai

By Gift ChapiOdekina, Abuja

ABUJA — The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has urged President Bola Tinubu to take immediate and decisive action to halt the worsening wave of terrorism, banditry, killings and abductions across Northern Nigeria.

The lawmakers also proposed the withdrawal of $5 billion from the nation’s external reserves to fund an extraordinary security intervention, arguing that the protection of citizens and their livelihoods must remain the government’s foremost responsibility.

In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the Minority Leader, Hon. Fredrick Agbedi, and the caucus spokesperson, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, the lawmakers described the worsening security situation as intolerable.

They cited recent attacks in Plateau, Niger, Sokoto, Kaduna, Katsina and other northern states, where scores of residents have reportedly been killed, abducted or displaced.

The caucus said more than 20 people were killed in recent attacks in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, including at least 23 victims in one incident.

It also alleged that armed men attacked communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State and abducted more than 60 worshippers during Friday prayers.

The lawmakers further cited the reported killing of at least 40 people in Ungushi community, Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State, including the Chief Imam, Imam Aliyu.

In Kaduna State, the caucus said at least 30 people were killed during an attack on Naridon village in Kaura Local Government Area, while continued bandit attacks and reprisals in Katsina State had deepened fear among residents.

It also expressed concern over schoolchildren in Borno State who, according to the lawmakers, have remained missing months after their abduction.

“This is no longer a situation that can be addressed principally through statements of condemnation after every attack,” the caucus said, calling for an intelligence-led and sustained security response.

The lawmakers urged Tinubu to replicate on a larger scale the strategy that resulted in the rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

They called for intensive security operations in affected areas, with security agencies directed to dominate the territories and conduct sustained operations against terrorist and bandit hideouts, forests and criminal enclaves.

“We are calling on the President to lock down the affected theatres of operation, dominate the territory and sweep the forests, hideouts and criminal enclaves where terrorists and bandits operate,” the caucus said.

“Such an operation must be intelligence-led, professionally executed and sustained until the criminal elements are neutralised and the abducted citizens rescued.”

The lawmakers clarified that the proposed security lockdown should target criminal networks rather than innocent citizens.

“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, deny them freedom of movement, cut off their supply lines and communications and deploy overwhelming force against those who have turned parts of the North into killing fields and centres of mass abduction,” they said.

The caucus also urged Tinubu to visit Zamfara State and travel to Illela to engage directly with communities affected by insecurity.

It said the President’s physical presence in communities devastated by attacks and abductions would demonstrate his commitment to protecting citizens and reassure affected residents.

$5bn security intervention

On funding, the lawmakers argued that financial constraints should not undermine the fight against terrorism and banditry.

“If funding is an issue, the government should draw $5 billion from the nation’s external reserves for an extraordinary national security intervention,” they said.

“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 caucus welcomed the recent increase in the salaries of members of the Armed Forces, describing it as an important step towards improving the welfare and morale of military personnel.

It, however, urged the President to immediately forward the necessary amendment to the 2026 Appropriation Act and a Supplementary Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly to facilitate implementation of the salary increase.

The lawmakers said the National Assembly should be prepared to reconvene, if necessary, to ensure that the improved remuneration for military personnel was implemented without bureaucratic delays.

Caucus demands El-Rufai’s release

The Minority Caucus also called for the immediate release of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, describing his continued detention as increasingly resembling political persecution.

The lawmakers said their concern went beyond the former governor to the credibility and consistency of the Federal Government’s anti-corruption campaign.

“Our concern is not merely about one individual. It is about the credibility and consistency of the Federal Government’s anti-corruption campaign,” they said.

The caucus questioned the government’s anti-corruption posture, citing the involvement of individuals facing corruption allegations and public controversies in the APC Presidential Campaign Council.

“It is difficult for the government to demand public confidence in its anti-corruption campaign when the political architecture through which the President seeks the mandate of Nigerians included individuals whose records and allegations have raised serious questions about the integrity of that campaign,” the lawmakers said.

They urged the Federal Government to move beyond issuing condolences after attacks and take concrete measures to protect citizens across the country.

“The bloodshed in Northern Nigeria must stop. The abducted must be rescued. The terrorists and bandits must be defeated,” the Minority Caucus declared.

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