NORTH KILLINGS: REPS CAUCUS DEMANDS $5BN SECURITY INTERVENTION

The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has called on President Bola Tinubu to consider drawing $5bn from Nigeria’s external reserves for an emergency intervention to tackle worsening insecurity across Northern Nigeria.

The lawmakers said the scale of killings, terrorism, banditry and mass abductions in the region had become unacceptable and required a more sustained government response.

In a statement signed by the caucus leader, Fredrick Agbedi, and spokesman, Afam Ogene, the lawmakers called for intelligence-led security operations aimed at reclaiming territories controlled by terrorist and criminal groups and rescuing abducted citizens.

They urged the Federal Government to increase funding for the national security campaign, arguing that protecting the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians should remain a top priority.

The caucus cited recent attacks in Plateau, Niger, Sokoto, Kaduna and Katsina states, where residents were reportedly killed or abducted.

The lawmakers also called for sustained operations against criminal networks, including efforts to disrupt their movement, supply lines and communication systems.

They stressed that security operations should focus on the areas where terrorists and bandits operate rather than imposing restrictions on innocent residents.

The caucus further urged the President to visit Zamfara State and communities affected by insecurity, saying his presence would reassure residents and demonstrate the government’s commitment to restoring security.

The lawmakers also welcomed the recent increase in salaries for members of the Armed Forces but urged the President to forward the necessary appropriation measures to the National Assembly to facilitate implementation.

They said the immediate priority should remain the protection of lives, rescue of abducted citizens and restoration of security in communities affected by persistent attacks.