The House of Representatives has warned Nigeria’s service chiefs to resign honourably if they fail to improve the country’s security situation.
Lawmakers said public confidence in the government’s fight against insecurity must be restored within a reasonable period.
The House also called on President Bola Tinubu to adopt a stronger and more aggressive security strategy to tackle banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping across the country.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Rep. Ibe Osonwa, who represents Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency in Abia State.
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.”
Speaking during plenary on Tuesday, Osonwa expressed concern over the rising cases of kidnapping, bandit attacks, terrorism, and violence against vulnerable communities.
He reminded the Federal Government of its constitutional duty to protect citizens. According to him, Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution states that the security and welfare of the people remain the primary purpose of government.
The lawmaker also raised concerns about the growing number of attacks on schools.
He said the abduction of schoolchildren in different parts of the country has disrupted learning and worsened Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis.
According to Osonwa, thousands of children have stayed away from classrooms because of fear, while many families continue to suffer the trauma of kidnappings.
He further warned that schools and places of worship are increasingly becoming targets for criminals.
Osonwa said worshippers now face the risk of attacks, abductions, and killings while carrying out religious activities.
He stressed that the trend threatens citizens’ constitutional right to freedom of worship and highlights the urgent need for stronger security measures nationwide.
