Opposition Lawmakers Demand Overwhelming Force Against Terrorists
The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has called on President Bola Tinubu to take immediate and decisive action against rising insecurity across the country. In a joint statement, opposition lawmakers urged the federal government to deploy overwhelming force against terrorists and bandits responsible for widespread killings and kidnappings.
The caucus stated that the repeated loss of innocent lives in homes, farms, and places of worship has become intolerable for citizens.
Sustained Military Action and Intelligence
According to a joint statement signed by Minority Leader Hon. Fredrick Agbedi and spokesperson Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, reported by Premium Times Nigeria, the military must move from reacting after attacks to preventing them.
The lawmakers stated that security agencies must apply overwhelming force to clear criminal enclaves, cut off supply lines, and rescue abducted citizens.
Key measures demanded by the caucus include:
- Targeting Enclaves: Clearing forests and hideouts where bandits operate freely.
- Cutting Supply Chains: Blocking communications, food, and logistics networks used by criminal gangs.
- Intelligence-Led Raids: Replicating successful rescue operations on a nationwide scale to free kidnapped victims.
- Troop Welfare: Fast-tracking salary increases and providing modern operational equipment for frontline soldiers.
“We are not asking the President to lock down innocent Nigerians. We are asking the Commander-in-Chief to lock down the operational space of terrorists and bandits, deny them freedom of movement, cut off their supply lines and communications and deploy overwhelming force against those who have turned parts of the North into killing fields.”
Proposed $5 Billion Security Intervention Fund
To ensure inadequate funding does not slow down military operations, the lawmakers made a major financial proposal. As reported by The Guardian Nigeria, the caucus proposed that the federal government withdraw $5 billion from the country’s external reserves for an extraordinary national security intervention.
The caucus argued that safeguarding lives and property is the primary duty of government. If funds are required to equip the armed forces with modern technology and heavy firepower, drawing on national reserves to deliver overwhelming force is a justified priority.
The lawmakers also affirmed their readiness to reconvene the National Assembly immediately to approve any necessary supplementary budget for security operations.
Direct Engagement and Leadership Presence
Beyond financial and military measures, the caucus urged President Tinubu to show visible leadership by visiting communities directly affected by violence. As highlighted by TVC News, the lawmakers called on the President to visit Zamfara State and towns like Illela to assess the situation and connect directly with affected residents.
The caucus stressed that Nigerians need proactive protection rather than routine statements of condolence after tragic attacks.
As reported by Punch Newspapers, the demand for decisive action comes amid growing pressure on the federal government to stabilize rural communities. Demonstrating overwhelming force against armed groups remains the most critical step to restoring peace, protecting farming communities, and rebuilding public confidence across Nigeria.