National Assembly Tackles Nigerian Security Adviser, Ribadu Over Alarming Insecurity Despite N3.25trillion Budget

On Tuesday, the House of Representatives expressed apprehension regarding the deteriorating security conditions in Nigeria, despite the approval of a N3.25 trillion budget for the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu's activities.

This was stated in the motion moved by the member representing Lere Federal Constituency, Kaduna State, Ahmed Munir.

The legislators also urged the Office of the National Security Adviser to coordinate intelligence and security activities across the country, particularly in Kaduna State, following the abduction of over 200 students in the state's Chikun Local Government Area by suspected bandits last week.

The lawmakers also expressed concerns that, despite the National Assembly's approval of N3.25 trillion in security and defence spending, the country's security condition fell short of Nigerians' expectations.

This came as legislators in the Green Chamber urged for the restriction of tiny and light weapons amid rising insecurity in some parts of the country.

The House's resolution came after the approval of a motion on matters of urgent public significance 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."

Recall that terrorists stormed the Local Education Authority Primary School and Government Secondary School in Kuriga Community, taking into captivity over 200 pupils and students last Thursday.

The legislator also stated that just two months earlier, a school principal, Abu Sufyan, was assassinated and his wife and infant kidnapped, but that the woman and baby were eventually rescued in a successful combined security operation on February 3, 2024.

“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,” he was quoted by PUNCH.

He continued:, “This worrisome trend of violence is seeping into other parts of the state affecting persons of all religious and ethnic backgrounds.

“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.”

Following the adoption of the motion, the House mandated the Office of the National Security Officer to “coordinate and galvanize all security and intelligence networks to develop and execute a proactive master plan to restore security with defined plans on coordinating with neighbouring countries.

“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 also urged the Office of the NSA to “revisit and optimise fully the Acts passed for the National Counter-Terrorism Centre as well as the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, and ensure that they fully serve the purpose of their establishment.”