The House of Representatives has summoned the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, and the Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, to address the sharp increase in kidnappings across various regions of the country.
The lawmakers are demanding a detailed account of the funds allocated to the Ministry of Defence over the last six months, citing a glaring disconnect between the financial investments and the actual security situation on the ground.
This resolution was passed following a motion of urgent public importance moved by Mr. Sulaiman Gumi, the representative for the Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency of Zamfara State, during Tuesday’s plenary session.
Debating the motion, Gumi expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security landscape in Zamfara and the broader North-West region.
He emphasized that relentless violence by insurgents has triggered a severe humanitarian crisis, which is further exacerbated by current economic hardships.
He stated:
“The House is aware that between June 1 and 6, 2026, rampaging bandits riding on about 250 motorcycles with three riders each invaded Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency, and some parts of Sokoto villages bordering Zamfara State, killing 93 people.
“The House is also aware that on the night of June 2, 2026, into the early hours of June 3, 2026, seven students of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, were abducted by bandits at their off-campus students’ hostel.
“Earlier, two senior lecturers of the same polytechnic were kidnapped and held in captivity for more than two months, despite ransom payments for their release.
“We are aware of the violent attack by bandits on Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where four people were killed and several travellers abducted
“In Talata Marafa Local Government Area, a councillor and a director were abducted while travelling from Jangebe to the local government headquarters over Hajj activities for intending pilgrims from Jangebe. The bandits killed both of them after refusing to collect any ransom.”
The lawmaker further drew attention to the spreading wave of banditry affecting other northwestern states like Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, and Jigawa.
Gumi noted:
“On May 31, 2026, 17 villagers were killed when bandits in their hundreds and riding on motorcycles invaded Dangulbi community in Tureta Local Government Area of Sokoto State… more than 15 communities in Tureta and Sabon Birni local government areas of Sokoto State have been deserted due to constant bandit attacks.
“In Katsina State, a former Director of Defence Information of the Nigerian Army, Maj Gen Rabe Abubakar Batsari (retd), and his wife were abducted when their vehicle was ambushed along the Marabar Musawa-Kafinsoli road in Matazu Local Government Area on May 30, 2026.
“Just yesterday (Monday), 50 elderly men were kidnapped and are still held captive in Zamfara State.
“In Kaduna State, bandit attacks remain a significant security challenge, with recent incidents heavily concentrated in areas like Kachia, Sanga and Birnin-Gwari Local Government Areas, while in Kano State, bandit attacks have primarily impacted rural communities sharing borders with neighbouring Katsina State, with the most severe incidents resulting in fatalities, livestock rustling, and abductions.”
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Gumi warned that the unhindered movement of bandits between towns and their hideouts severely damages the credibility of the nation’s security framework. He cautioned that without urgent intervention, the death toll would rise and the economic future of the region would be completely decimated.
In his contribution, Jigawa lawmaker Abubakar Yalleman pressed for the swift implementation of decentralized policing.
“I urge the National Assembly to expedite action on state police to help checkmate the deteriorating level of security in the country,” he said, a position strongly supported by Mr. Olumide Osoba of Ogun State.
Focusing on the financial aspects of the crisis, Babajimi Benson, representing the Ikorodu Federal Constituency of Lagos State, suggested restricting liquid cash flows to cripple the operations of kidnappers.
“It is important to revisit the cashless policy because it is difficult to pay ransom through bank transfers,” he said.
Echoing this sentiment, Ademorin Kuye, representing the Shomolu Federal Constituency of Lagos State, advocated for tougher fiscal oversight.
“It is important for us to gazette the prohibition of ransom payment to kidnappers. The Central Bank of Nigeria should consider monitoring the activities of Bureau De Change operators to address illicit financial flows,” he advised.
Concluding the debate, the House resolved to officially summon the security and financial chiefs on a date to be determined. The lawmakers also urged the Ministry of Defence to immediately deploy more personnel and hardware to Zamfara State and the North-West zone.
Additionally, the House called on the ministries of agriculture, environment, education, humanitarian affairs, and disaster management to deploy non-military, community-focused solutions to tackle the root causes of the insecurity.
The Committee on Defence, alongside other related committees, has been given a two-week deadline to ensure compliance and present a report for further legislative action.
