The House of Representatives has called on the Office of the National Security Adviser to provide a comprehensive justification for the N3.25 trillion allocated to security and defense amidst the worsening security situation in the country. This call comes in the wake of the recent abduction of over 200 students in the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State by suspected bandits.
Expressing grave concern over the security challenges plaguing the nation, particularly in Kaduna State, the lawmakers emphasized the urgent need for enhanced intelligence and security operations. They highlighted the alarming trend of violence, citing recent attacks on schools and places of worship, which have resulted in loss of lives and property.
Ahmed Munir, the member representing Lere Federal Constituency, Kaduna State, brought forth a motion titled “Urgent need to tackle the abhorrent abduction of over 200 students in Kuriga community of Chikun and secure lives and property in Kaduna State.” Munir drew attention to the escalating violence in Kaduna State, including the recent abduction of students and the attack on worshippers in a mosque.
” The House is aware that on Friday, March 8, 2024, gunmen attacked worshippers in a mosque at Angwar Makera, Kwasakwasa Community in the Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, with two persons declared dead. This worrisome trend of violence is seeping into other parts of the state affecting persons of all religious and ethnic backgrounds,” Munir stated.
Despite the substantial budgetary allocation to the defense and security sector, the lawmakers noted with concern the lack of tangible improvements in the security landscape. They lamented the reactive nature of security measures and called for a proactive approach to addressing security challenges.
“The N3.25trn allocated to the defence and security sector on drones and other military equipment that could have tracked, located and rescued victims, there has been no respite as the bulk of the actions by security personnel are reactionary rather than proactive,” Munir expressed concern.
In response to the motion, the House mandated the Office of the National Security Adviser to coordinate intelligence and security operations effectively. They called for a proactive master plan to restore security, including collaborative efforts with neighboring countries and comprehensive strategies for combating terrorism and controlling small arms and light weapons.
“The plan must include boots on ground land and aerial sweep of locations that include but not limited to Kuyambana forest in Zamfara, Kamuka forest in Kaduna, Falgore forest in Kano, Borgu and Zugurma forests in Niger State,” the lawmakers emphasized.