Reps Warn Of Nationwide Revolt Over Insecurity, Say N19.7 Trillion Security Spend Not Reflecting

Amid escalating security crises across the country, members of the House of Representatives (Reps) have issued a stern warning to the Federal Government, cautioning that the continued failure to address rising insecurity could trigger a nationwide revolt.

This warning came as the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, also acknowledged that the deteriorating security situation and worsening economic conditions were testing the limits of Nigerians’ patience. He urged the Senate to respond with decisive legislative action.

The concerns were raised during a heated plenary session on Monday, sparked by a motion of urgent national importance moved by Hon. Ahmed Satomi (APC, Borno), who decried a recent fire incident at the Giwa Barracks armoury and a surge in coordinated attacks on military facilities in Borno and Yobe states.

The debate quickly evolved into a passionate exchange, with lawmakers from the affected regions detailing harrowing incidents of violence and lamenting the inadequacy of government efforts, despite the staggering N19.7 trillion reportedly spent on security between 2015 and 2019.

‘We Are Not Safe’ – Lawmakers Raise Alarm

Hon. Yusuf Gagdi (APC, Plateau) cautioned that the growing discontent among citizens might soon be directed at elected officials if immediate action is not taken.

“Nigerians are being slaughtered daily, and some still think this is an exaggeration. If government continues to respond with press statements instead of real action, don’t be surprised when citizens start attacking those they elected,” he warned.

Similarly, Hon. Ahmed Jaha (APC, Borno), representing the Chibok area, painted a grim picture of the current insurgency in the Northeast, stating that Boko Haram now operates with advanced weaponry, including drones, which the Nigerian Army does not possess.

“In my constituency alone, 10 farmers were slaughtered in Pulka, 14 in Chibok. Military officers have been ambushed in places like Izge and Kampu. The army is outgunned and overwhelmed,” Jaha lamented.

Foreign Fighters, Failing Strategies

Backing the claims, Hon. Zainab Gimba (APC, Borno) revealed that foreign mercenaries had been spotted among the insurgents during a recent attack on a multinational force base in her constituency.

“In that attack, over 20 Nigerian soldiers were killed. The commanding officer confirmed that some of the insurgents were white men, indicating external involvement,” she disclosed.

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She also raised concerns about the proximity of military installations to civilian areas, referencing the recent explosion at Giwa Barracks in Mauri and urging for the relocation of such facilities to safer zones.

Calls for Citizens to Bear Arms

In a bold contribution, Hon. Shettima Ali (APC, Yobe) advocated for legislative reforms that would legally permit citizens to arm and defend themselves.

“Our security agencies are understaffed and unfamiliar with local terrains. The people should be empowered to defend their lives and communities,” he said.

Senate Also Rings Alarm Bell

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in his address to senators on resumption from the Easter and Sallah recess, echoed the fears raised by his counterparts in the House.

“The rising cost of living, fuel instability, and unchecked insecurity are stretching the resilience of our people. We must act swiftly with effective legislation. The nation is watching,” Akpabio stated.

Resolutions and Next Steps

The House resolved to:

Investigate the fire incident at Giwa Barracks armoury in Maiduguri.

Review existing security protocols at military installations nationwide.

Urge the Federal Government to intensify operations in Borno and Yobe to safeguard both military personnel and civilians.

Provide adequate compensation to families of affected soldiers.

Mandate the Committees on Army, Defence, and National Security to conduct a detailed investigation and report back within weeks.

As Nigerians await the outcome of these resolutions, public confidence in the government’s ability to secure lives and property continues to dwindle. The lawmakers’ warnings underscore the growing pressure on the executive to match rhetoric with results.