By Oluwakemi Kindness
The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has urged President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action to end the worsening terrorism and banditry in Northern Nigeria.
The lawmakers also proposed that the Federal Government draw $5 billion from the country’s external reserves for an emergency security intervention.
The caucus made the demand in a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its leader, Representative Fredrick Agbedi, and spokesperson, Afam Victor-Ogene.
The lawmakers said the rising killings, kidnappings and displacement across the North had become intolerable.
They cited recent attacks in Plateau, Niger, Sokoto, Kaduna and Katsina states.
The caucus said more than 20 people were killed in recent attacks in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
It also said terrorists abducted more than 60 worshippers during an attack on communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
The lawmakers called for sustained, intelligence-led military operations to reclaim territories controlled by terrorists and bandits.
They urged Tinubu to direct security forces to dominate affected areas and target terrorist hideouts, forests and criminal enclaves.
The caucus also asked the President to replicate the strategy used in rescuing schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
It further urged Tinubu to visit Zamfara State and Illela to engage directly with communities affected by insecurity.
“If funding is an issue, the government should draw $5 billion from the nation’s external reserves for an extraordinary national security intervention,” the lawmakers said.
The caucus also welcomed the recent increase in the salaries of members of the Armed Forces.
It, however, urged Tinubu to forward amendments to the 2026 Appropriation Act and a Supplementary Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly to facilitate implementation.
Minority Caucus demands El-Rufai’s release
The lawmakers also demanded the immediate release of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
They described his detention as increasingly taking the character of *political persecution*.
The caucus questioned the consistency of the Federal Government’s anti-corruption campaign, arguing that the involvement of individuals facing corruption allegations in the APC presidential campaign structure had weakened public confidence in the process.
The lawmakers called on Tinubu to use his constitutional powers and security resources to protect Nigerians.
“The bloodshed in Northern Nigeria must stop. The abducted must be rescued. The terrorists and bandits must be defeated,” they said.
