Olayiwola Mercy
The House of Representatives has escalated its response to Nigeria’s deteriorating security crisis by summoning the country’s top security chiefs and the Finance Minister for a closed-door session. On Tuesday, June 9, 2026, lawmakers resolved to invite the Minister of Defence Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu, DSS Director-General Adeola Ajayi, NIA Director-General Mohammed Mohammed, and Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele to appear before the House. The summons centers on two issues: the rising wave of insecurity nationwide and accounting for security funds released in the last six months.
The move follows a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Hon. Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi, who represents Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency of Zamfara State. Gumi cited a complex humanitarian crisis in the North-West driven by armed banditry, kidnappings, and transnational jihadist infiltration. Between June 1 and 6 alone, bandits on motorcycles attacked communities in his constituency, killing 95 people. He also condemned the abduction of seven students from the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, on June 2-3, 2026, noting that two senior lecturers from the same school had been in captivity for over two months despite ransom payments.
Lawmakers expressed alarm that despite huge budgetary allocations to defence and security over the years, bandits and kidnappers continue to operate with “relative ease”. Hon. Ibe Osonwa argued the current response appears largely reactive and inadequate. He reminded the Federal Government of Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which makes security and welfare the primary purpose of government. The abduction of schoolchildren has deepened Nigeria’s out-of-school crisis, with thousands forced out of classrooms due to fear of attacks.
The House is demanding answers on three fronts. First, the current security strategy and coordination among agencies, given attacks spreading across Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, and Jigawa. Second, the utilization of security votes, budgetary allocations, and emergency interventions released to tackle insecurity. Third, whether resources are actually reaching frontline operations or getting lost in bureaucracy. The inclusion of Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele is tied to questions over funding sustainability amid competing economic pressures.
This summons comes amid fresh incidents that have sparked national outrage. Last month, terrorists abducted over 40 students and teachers from schools in Oyo State, while kidnappers also took scores in Borno. In Benue, dozens have been killed in repeated attacks on farming communities, and Plateau has seen renewed violence displacing families. Kidnapping for ransom remains rampant on highways and in communities despite repeated assurances from security agencies.
Beyond the summons, the House passed additional resolutions. It condemned banditry, mass abductions, and attacks on schools and churches “in the strongest possible terms”. It appealed to President Tinubu to deploy “an aggressive, unrelenting and comprehensive security strategy” to dismantle bandits’ strongholds and secure vulnerable locations. Lawmakers also urged Tinubu to direct the recruitment of forest guards in all states battling insecurity, replicating the model used in Oyo where 1,000 guards were approved after the mass abduction.
Pressure is also mounting on the security leadership itself. The House declared that if the administration cannot halt the worsening situation and restore public confidence within a defined timeframe, the service chiefs should “honourably resign from office”. This echoes Pastor Enoch Adeboye’s May call for a 90-day ultimatum to eliminate terrorists or resign. However, former Defence Media Operations Coordinator Maj-Gen. John Enenche argued that replacing service chiefs won’t solve the problem alone.
The closed-door meeting is expected this week, with the House Committees on Defence, National Security and Intelligence, and Army mandated to intensify oversight and report back within two weeks. Lawmakers want clarity on military procurement, intelligence sharing, and why huge allocations haven’t translated into safety. With farming communities under siege, schools targeted, and highways unsafe, the Reps’ summons signals that legislative patience with the security architecture is wearing thin. The outcome could shape funding, accountability, and whether Nigeria doubles down on its current strategy or forces a shake-up.
