The lawmakers at the National Assembly this week openly expressed anger over President Bola Tinubu’s approach to handling the recent wave of bandit attacks across the country. 

For many senators and House members, the idea of negotiating with the groups behind mass abductions is not only unacceptable but also dangerous, especially at a time when several states are struggling to keep their schools and communities safe.

This is a rare public rebellion in the National Assembly

The tension in the chamber was unlike the usual calm disagreement. Lawmakers from different political sides united to criticise the Federal Government’s strategy, questioning why troops were withdrawn from areas that were later attacked especially the school in Kebbi where 24 students were kidnapped and a school administrator was killed.

For many legislators, the negotiation approach sends the wrong message. They fear it could embolden the criminals, making them believe that each attack will force the government into concessions. 

This unusual pushback from lawmakers showed how serious the situation has become, especially as coordinated attacks continue across different northern states.

Tinubu Declares Security Emergency

Before the heated debate began, President Tinubu had already declared a nationwide security emergency. He directed security agencies to recruit more personnel and deploy them to the most vulnerable communities. 

He also urged the National Assembly to begin the process of creating state police, arguing that localised security structures could respond faster to threats.

This announcement followed a series of disturbing events, including the abduction of over 300 students and teachers from St Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State. The attack happened only days after gunmen kidnapped 24 students in Kebbi. 

The violence was so alarming that states like Yobe, Adamawa, Plateau, Bauchi, Katsina, Taraba, Niger and Kwara ordered widespread school closures. The Federal Government also shut 41 Federal Unity Colleges as a precaution.

Why Lawmakers Oppose Negotiation

Despite the Presidency’s insistence that no ransom was paid and that the abductors used victims as “human shields,” senators argued that the strategy was not firm enough. They warned that negotiating could make the bandits believe they are in control, pushing communities further into fear.

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe demanded a full explanation for the troop withdrawal in Kebbi, insisting the government owes the public accountability. Senate President Godswill Akpabio also cautioned leaders against giving the crisis a religious interpretation. 

According to him, the attacks are targeted at everyone, regardless of faith. Other lawmakers pushed for tougher measures, including the death penalty for kidnappers, saying Nigeria cannot afford to appear weak in the face of such organised violence.

Calls for Stronger Reforms

Beyond criticism, the lawmakers agreed that Nigeria’s security system needs urgent restructuring. 

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele called for a review of the Senate’s security committee, while Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin appealed for international support to help tackle the crisis.

Meanwhile, in Zamfara, Governor Dauda Lawal stirred fresh debate by claiming he knows the exact locations of the bandits terrorising communities. 

According to him, he could end banditry in two months if he had direct control over security agencies, an indirect push for granting governors more security powers.

The anger in the National Assembly reflects a broader frustration across Nigeria. Parents are scared. Schools are shutting down. Communities are uncertain about what comes next. While Tinubu’s security emergency shows a readiness to act, many believe that the Federal Government’s strategy must be clearer, firmer and more accountable.