Nigerian House of Reps insecurity debate highlights urgent need for decisive action against banditry, kidnappings, and violence nationwide.
The Nigerian House of Representatives on Tuesday, December 3, 2025, dedicated its plenary to addressing the country’s worsening insecurity, urging the Federal Government to treat the situation as a matter of urgent national importance.
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Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, representing Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency, opened the debate, highlighting the surge in banditry over the past two weeks, which has resulted in multiple attacks on citizens.
Chinda stressed the need for unity and sincerity in confronting insecurity, calling for a National Border Force and state or community policing.
“Nigerians travel with fear, pray until their relatives arrive. If we cannot protect the lives and property of Nigerians as enshrined in our constitution, are we worthy to continue to sit as a parliament?” Chinda asked.
He identified political violence, porous borders, economic displacement, and extremist ideology as key drivers of insecurity.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu echoed concerns over institutional weaknesses, inadequate funding, and misalignment between policy and execution.
He outlined a five-point strategy addressing situational analysis, legislative gaps, priority reforms, and anticipated objections.
Kalu also rejected ransom negotiations with bandits, advocating for transparent police funding and a legal framework for military drone operations.
House Leader Professor Julius Ihonvbere described Nigeria as a haven for violent incidents, citing over 24,000 violent events and approximately 9,500 mortalities in 2024.
He noted that banditry has evolved into organised terrorism in the North-West, while Boko Haram and ISWAP remain active in the North-East, leaving over 1.5 million Nigerians in IDP camps.
Northern caucus leader Alhassan Doguwa warned that communities live in “serious tension, fear, and despair,” urging the House to consider a legislative shutdown until decisive action is taken. He called the situation “horrific, tragic, devastating, and unspeakable.”
Victor Nwokolo, South-South caucus leader, highlighted rising killings and kidnappings in Delta and neighbouring states, emphasising that police lack resources and face deployment challenges.
He noted that local syndicates exploit language barriers and community complicity, complicating law enforcement efforts.
Kalu, responding to Doguwa’s proposal, cautioned lawmakers against shutting down the parliament.
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“No problem is too big for the parliament to handle. We will not shut the parliament. We are the solution and hope of the nation,” he said.
