Nigeria’s escalating insecurity triggered an unusual display of dissent within the House of Representatives yesterday, as APC lawmaker Alhassan Ado-Doguwa openly criticized the Tinubu administration for failing to safeguard citizens. He warned that Parliament might have to suspend its activities unless the government takes urgent steps to restore security.
Doguwa’s criticism coincided with disturbing developments across the country. In Kwara State, police confirmed that ten individuals were abducted from Isapa in Ekiti Local Council. Meanwhile, bandits struck Biresawa village in Kano State’s Tsanyawa Local Council during the night, taking eight residents captive. Tensions also surfaced in Kogi State, where police urged residents to disregard unverified reports of an imminent bandit attack in Kogi East.
On a brighter note, Kebbi State Governor Mohammed Nasir Idris announced that the 24 girls abducted from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, have been released. President Bola Tinubu expressed relief over the development and vowed to strengthen security in vulnerable areas. “I am pleased all 24 girls are safe. We must urgently deploy more resources to prevent further kidnappings. My administration will provide all necessary support to ensure this,” the President stated.
Doguwa, who chairs the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), delivered a scathing assessment of the federal government’s handling of national security during a special session convened to review the crisis. He described the situation as a “war against humanity,” arguing that the government’s current measures are inadequate. He highlighted the particularly dire conditions in the North, describing them as devastating, unbearable, and tragically intolerable.
The lawmaker cautioned that the worsening insecurity — characterized by banditry, kidnappings, and terrorist attacks — could undermine political stability ahead of the 2027 elections. “Despite the best efforts of the government and security agencies, the current approach is insufficient. Lives and communities continue to suffer under a failed security system,” Doguwa said, invoking the metaphor of widespread conflict across all regions of the country.
Doguwa proposed that if the government fails to protect citizens, the House might need to halt its proceedings and declare a state of emergency until decisive action is taken. While recognizing that state governors share responsibility, he stressed that the federal government bears the constitutional burden of ensuring national security. He emphasized that the threat does not discriminate by party, religion, or ethnicity.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu quickly countered, insisting that Parliament could not be suspended under any circumstance. He underscored the House’s role as a central pillar of democracy and the institution best suited to address the nation’s security challenges. Kalu urged lawmakers to exercise caution in making statements that could be misinterpreted outside the chamber and emphasized that solutions must be sought within the legislative process.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas intervened to clarify that Doguwa’s remarks represented personal views, not official resolutions of the House, and would be considered alongside other contributions before formal decisions are made.
The recent attacks highlight the ongoing security challenges. In Kwara State, police confirmed that ten people were kidnapped from Isapa following an armed incursion on November 24. A woman sustained a gunshot wound but has since been treated and discharged. Police, alongside local vigilantes, are conducting search-and-rescue operations to locate and secure the abducted individuals.
In Kano State, armed bandits carried out a midnight raid on Biresawa village, abducting two men and six women despite existing security deployments. Residents reported that the attackers came on foot from neighboring Tsundu village, overpowering villagers who attempted to resist. The incident has raised fears among communities across the area, particularly in border councils that have recently faced repeated assaults.
President Tinubu has responded by ordering round-the-clock aerial surveillance of forests in Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger States, aiming to locate criminals and facilitate the rescue of kidnapped victims. Meanwhile, the Ondo State Amotekun Corps has stepped up border patrols and surveillance at boarding schools, ensuring enhanced security ahead of the holiday season. The corps also announced that Operation ‘Le Won Jade’ has led to the arrest of more than 30 suspects involved in various security breaches.
Inspector General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun visited Niger State to oversee rescue operations for pupils abducted from St Mary’s Catholic Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Council. He confirmed that 50 students have already been recovered and urged a unified response from all stakeholders to address the escalating threats.
Human Rights Watch called on Nigerian authorities to act swiftly to secure the release of kidnapped students and teachers and to implement measures to prevent future attacks. The organization stressed that prolonged school closures disrupt education and deny children essential social and psychological support, urging the government to advance legislation in line with the Safe Schools Declaration.
In another successful rescue operation, 38 worshippers abducted from Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, Kwara State, were freed through coordinated intelligence and negotiations by the DSS and military. Special Adviser to the President, Bayo Onanuga, explained that real-time tracking and controlled engagement allowed security agencies to secure the release without resorting to a kinetic operation, which could have endangered the captives.
The incidents underscore Nigeria’s worsening security landscape, emphasizing the urgent need for a comprehensive and coordinated response from the federal government, security agencies, and local communities.
