The House of Representatives has urged the service chiefs to honourably resign if insecurity in Nigeria persists and public confidence in government efforts is not restored within a clearly defined timeframe.
Nigeria’s service chiefs, appointed by President Bola Tinubu, serve as the principal heads of the nation’s armed forces. They include the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu; the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke; and the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiendeye.
According to Daily Trust, federal lawmakers also urged President Tinubu to adopt a more comprehensive and aggressive security strategy to flush out bandits, terrorists and kidnappers from their hideouts across the country.
The call followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by Rep. Ibe Osonwa, who represents the Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency of Abia State, during plenary on Tuesday, June 9.
The motion was titled:
“A Call for Immediate Executive Action on the Surge in Banditry, the Daily Abduction of Schoolchildren and the Perilous Security Situation in Nigerian Schools and Places of Worship.”
Osonwa expressed concern over the escalating wave of kidnappings, banditry, terrorism and attacks on vulnerable communities nationwide.
He also highlighted the economic impact of insecurity, stating that many businesses have shut down, farming communities have been deserted and numerous families have been pushed into poverty.
Following deliberations, the House condemned in the strongest terms the continued banditry, mass abductions and attacks on schools and places of worship across Nigeria.
Reps summon Ribadu, service chiefs
The House of Representatives also summoned the service chiefs and National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to appear before lawmakers over the worsening security situation in the country.
Lawmakers further called on President Tinubu to immediately deploy forest guards nationwide, replicating interventions already adopted in some states to combat insecurity.
The demand comes amid growing concern over recent attacks and abductions, including the kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.
The House maintained that urgent and decisive action is required to restore public confidence and improve security across the country.
