The House of Representatives has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government, cautioning that Nigerians may revolt if the rising wave of insecurity across the country is not urgently addressed.
The warning came during Monday’s plenary, where lawmakers expressed anger and fear over renewed Boko Haram attacks, herdsmen killings, and growing insecurity, especially in Borno, Yobe, Plateau, and other northern states.
‘Nigerians May Turn Against Us’ — Reps Sound Alarm
Leading the charge was Hon. Ahmed Satomi, who moved a motion of urgent public importance concerning the fire incident at Giwa Barracks and recent attacks on military bases in Borno and Yobe. His motion sparked an emotional debate among lawmakers, with several recounting recent killings and urging immediate action.
Yusuf Gagdi (APC, Plateau) warned:
“Nigerians are being killed. This is unacceptable. If we don’t act now, we may be attacked—not by Boko Haram, but by the very people who elected us. The patience of Nigerians is running out.”
Ahmed Jaha (APC, Borno), representing Chibok, said Boko Haram attacks in his constituency had intensified, with 14 farmers slaughtered in Chibok, 10 in Pulka, and soldiers killed in multiple ambushes.
“Boko Haram is back and more dangerous,” Jaha said. “They’re now using weaponised drones. The Nigerian Army is outgunned and undermanned. Between 2015 and 2019, N19.7 trillion was spent on security. Where is the result?”
Zainab Gimba (APC, Borno) corroborated the claim, disclosing that Boko Haram ambushed a multinational task force in her constituency, killing 20 soldiers.
“The commander told me that several insurgents were white men. There is foreign involvement,” she said.
She also decried the placement of military installations in city centers, referencing the recent explosion at Giwa Barracks in Maiduguri.
‘Let Citizens Defend Themselves’ — Yobe Lawmaker Proposes
Hon. Shettima Ali (APC, Yobe) proposed a more radical solution:
“Let us pass a law to allow citizens protect themselves. The security forces are overwhelmed and unfamiliar with the terrain. Our people can’t just keep dying.”
Babajimi Benson (APC, Lagos) added:
“The Federal Government has spent heavily on security with little to show. We need drastic measures.”
The House resolved to investigate the Giwa Barracks incident, review military security protocols, demand increased federal presence in affected regions, and compensate families of slain soldiers. Committees on Army, Defence, and National Security were mandated to report back within weeks.
Attempts to get a reaction from the Presidency were unsuccessful. The President’s media adviser, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, referred inquiries to the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, who did not respond to calls or messages.
Akpabio: Insecurity, Economy Are Testing Nigerians’ Limits
Meanwhile, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in his welcome address at the Senate’s resumption from Easter and Eid breaks, also raised concern over the deepening insecurity and economic strain.
“Our economy continues to stretch the patience of Nigerians. From food inflation to energy instability and insecurity across all zones, our people demand action—not rhetoric,” Akpabio said.
He urged senators to back the Tinubu administration’s reforms with legislative action, stressing that Nigerians were watching how the National Assembly responds to these crises.
“These are not just headlines—they are bleeding wounds of the Republic. No test must find us wanting,” he said.
Akpabio called for national unity, discipline, and a legislative agenda focused on security, economic reform, and youth empowerment.
“We are here, refreshed in spirit, to build a nation where peace is not an illusion, and progress not a promise—but a pattern.”
