Minority Caucus Urges Tinubu to Launch Intelligence-Led Ops Against Banditry
The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has called on President Bola Tinubu to take immediate and decisive action to end the worsening wave of terrorism, banditry, killings and abductions across Northern Nigeria. In a statement signed by Leader Fredrick Agbedi and spokesperson Afam Ogene, the caucus cited specific attacks: more than 20 killed in Mangu LGA of Plateau State, over 60 worshippers abducted during Friday prayers in Borgu LGA of Niger State, at least 40 people including the Chief Imam of Ungushi killed in Kebbe LGA of Sokoto State, and 30 villagers slain in Naridon village, Kaura LGA of Kaduna State, with ongoing reprisal attacks in Katsina State.
The lawmakers urged Tinubu to deploy a sustained, intelligence-led military operation to reclaim communities and forests occupied by criminals, lock down terrorist operational spaces, and cut supply lines. They also demanded the release of $5 billion from external reserves for an extraordinary national security intervention, immediate implementation of the recent armed forces salary increase, and the unconditional release of former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, whom they describe as a political prisoner.
The caucus warned that Nigerians need security, not repeated condolences, and stressed that the President has the constitutional authority and military capacity to act. Will an intelligence-led offensive and increased funding restore safety in the North, or should alternative strategies be pursued to protect lives and livelihoods?