By Mercy Gadia
The House of Representatives has summoned the National Security Adviser,the Minister of Defence,and the Minister of Finance, over the recent spike in kidnappings across parts of the country.
The Green Chamber is demanding detailed explanations on funds released to the Ministry of Defence within the last six months and why such expenditures have not translated into improved security nationwide.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the member representing Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency of Zamfara State, , during plenary on Tuesday.
Presenting the motion, Gumi decried the worsening security situation in Zamfara and the wider North-West region, noting that persistent banditry had plunged communities into humanitarian crises exacerbated by economic hardship.
He said, “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 into the early hours of June 3, seven students of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, were abducted at their off-campus hostel.
“Earlier, two senior lecturers of the same institution were kidnapped and held for over two months despite ransom payments.”
He further cited attacks in Zurmi and Talata Mafara local government areas, where several persons were killed or abducted, including local officials who were reportedly murdered after refusing ransom negotiations.
Gumi also highlighted the spread of banditry to other North-West states, including Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, and Jigawa.
He added, “On May 31, 2026, 17 villagers were killed when bandits invaded Dangulbi community in Sokoto State, while over 15 communities in Tureta and Sabon Birni have been deserted due to persistent attacks.”
According to him, even high-profile individuals have not been spared, citing the abduction of a retired senior military officer and his wife in Katsina State.
He warned that the unchecked movement of bandits across states continues to undermine national security, stressing that failure to act decisively could further devastate the socio-economic fabric of the region.
Contributing to the debate, a lawmaker from Jigawa State, , called for the urgent establishment of state police.
“I urge the National Assembly to expedite action on state police to help checkmate the deteriorating level of insecurity,” he said.
Similarly, an Ogun lawmaker, , backed the proposal.
Also speaking, the member representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency, , advocated a review of the Federal Government’s cashless policy.
“It is important to revisit the cashless policy because it is difficult to pay ransom through bank transfers,” he said.
In the same vein, , representing Shomolu Federal Constituency, called for tighter regulations on Bureau De Change operators.
“It is important for us to gazette the prohibition of ransom payment. The Central Bank of Nigeria should monitor Bureau De Change operators to curb illicit financial flows,” he said.
Following the adoption of the motion, the House resolved to summon the officials on a yet-to-be-announced date.
The lawmakers also urged the Minister of Defence to deploy adequate personnel and equipment to Zamfara and other affected areas, while calling on relevant ministries to explore non-kinetic strategies to address insecurity.
The House Committee on Defence and other relevant panels were mandated to ensure compliance and report back within two weeks for further legislative action.