Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, said on Tuesday that recent attacks across the country were aimed at destabilising the country by creating fear in the minds of the Nigerians.
Addressing members of the House at the commencement of debate on the current security situation in the country, Abbas said Nigerians must remain undaunted in their resolve to help fight the insecurity parading the nation, asking them to remain United in tackling the security challenges.
He said the recent attacks by bandits aim to create the impression that violent groups can act without restraint, while focusing on soft and vulnerable targets.
The Speaker said, “The last few weeks have been difficult for our country. Communities have suffered severe attacks, including killings and multiple abductions targeting civilians, security personnel and other vulnerable groups. These incidents occurred in rapid succession and affected different parts of the country, underscoring the scale and coordination of the threat we face.
“The attack in Kebbi State shocked the nation. The abduction of students in Niger State caused deep distress. The kidnapping of worshippers in Kwara State brought fear to many communities. Families are grieving. Citizens are anxious. These incidents remind us of the scale of the threat we face and the seriousness of the work before us.
“Acting squarely on the firm directives of the President, our security forces responded swiftly and courageously. The President’s decision to postpone his scheduled and widely publicised trip to the G20 Summit in South Africa, in order to confront the current challenges directly, set the tone for a more coordinated national response. He continues to receive continuous briefings from the security chiefs and has instructed that police personnel attached to VIPs be withdrawn and redeployed to frontline duties.
“These measures shape the swift rescue of the worshippers in Kwara State and the successful recovery of several abducted students in Niger State. Operations continue across all the affected communities, with renewed determination to reunite all missing persons with their families and to bring those responsible to justice.
“This resolve is entirely consistent with the President’s remarks at the Arewa Consultative Forum at the weekend, where he stated that “Nothing troubles me more gravely than the security crisis bedevilling Nigeria, especially Northern Nigeria.” His leadership thus far reflects both political responsibility and moral urgency.
The Speaker said the House recognises the courage and commitment of security personnel who serve under exceptionally difficult conditions, saying “many have paid the ultimate price in the line of duty, and their sacrifice will not be forgotten.”
He said the House stands firmly behind all ongoing operations and supports every lawful measure aimed at delivering justice and restoring safety to communities.
He said further, “The events of the past week reveal a deeply troubling escalation in violence across several states. The various attacks are not only coordinated but also designed to destabilise the country. They aim to create the impression that violent groups can act without restraint. They focus on soft and vulnerable targets.
“Their purpose is to instill fear, weaken public confidence, and give the illusion of being everywhere at once. Nigeria must reject this tactic. We must resist fear and stand firm against those who rely on cruelty and spectacle to advance their evil ideologies.
“Alongside the violence, another threat is emerging. False information spreads rapidly. Unverified claims and fake images can escalate tension and undermine security efforts. Misleading posts on social media can inflame communities, cause panic, and erode trust in institutions.
“I urge Nigerians to rely on official sources and reputable news outlets. I also ask Members of this House to be cautious about what we share. Our words must promote stability, not add to confusion”.
Speaker Abbas stressed further, “Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office, his administration has taken steps to reform the security architecture. There has been a shift in coordination among the services and a more deliberate effort to regain the initiative.
Evidence shows that these reforms have produced results.
“Thousands of captives have been freed. High-ranking commanders linked to violent networks have been eliminated. Millions of displaced people have returned to their communities. There was also a measurable decline in some categories of mass abductions and kidnappings. These gains reminded us that progress is possible when strategy, coordination, and political will converge.
“We must, however, accept that certain forms of violence have resurfaced in different parts of the country and are evolving rapidly. The roots of this resurgence lie both within and beyond our borders.
“The Sahel has undergone significant upheaval. Changes of government in Mali, Burkina Faso, and the Niger Republic have created ungoverned spaces that armed groups now exploit. Illegal arms trafficking has increased. Nigeria, therefore, faces domestic and transnational pressures that require an integrated response.
“Amid these challenges, international developments also deserve our careful attention. The Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025 was introduced in the United States Congress, which places Nigeria on the list of Countries of Particular Concern.
“The Bill suggests that Nigeria permits or encourages religious persecution. Members may recall that this House extensively debated and unanimously rejected the claims.
“The government of Nigeria does not and will never support or sponsor violence against its own citizens. We conveyed our resolutions to the United States Congress, the Department of State, and the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom.
“It is therefore important to restate Nigeria’s actual security reality. Over the past fifteen years, the government has invested significant resources in confronting insurgency and widespread violence. It is true that in some communities, Christians have been targeted, just as Muslim communities have suffered similar attacks in others.
“These acts have been carried out by violent groups pursuing their own agendas. They do not reflect the policy or practice of the Nigerian state. Terrorism, banditry, communal clashes, and extremist violence have brought suffering to Nigerians of all faiths. Our Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, and every institution of government remains committed to protecting that right.
“With this context in mind, Nigeria continues to welcome partnership and constructive engagement. At the same time, we cannot accept conclusions that do not reflect the complexities of our security challenges.
“Our response to the Religious Freedom Accountability Bill has been calm and measured. We are mindful of our longstanding relationship with the United States. I wish to reaffirm that dialogue is more productive than recrimination.
“As highlighted in a recent meeting between the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the US Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, we are prepared to collaborate with partners on intelligence sharing, counterterrorism training, surveillance technology, and the disruption of financial networks linked to violent groups.
“Nigeria’s security history carries its own hard truths, but it also contains moments when partners stepped forward at decisive hours. During his presidency from 2017 to 2021, President Donald Trump broke with the hesitation of earlier administrations.
“He authorised the sale of the A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, a platform that transformed aspects of our counter-terrorism operations. At a time when Nigeria struggled to access essential equipment, he was willing to do what others would not. That decision mattered. It saved lives, strengthened our capabilities, and signalled that Nigeria’s fight against terror was not ours alone to bear.
“This history gives particular weight to his renewed interest in Nigeria today. It is an encouraging signal that the door may once again be open for deeper security cooperation, free from old constraints, more attuned to Nigeria’s realities, and shaped by mutual respect.
“A more confident engagement from the United States, championed by President Trump, would support Nigeria’s efforts to modernise equipment, reinforce training, and strengthen accountability systems.
“Nigeria welcomes this prospect and is prepared to work transparently and responsibly with American institutions. Our sovereignty remains non-negotiable, yet partnership, especially when extended in good faith, can allow both countries to face shared threats with greater clarity and purpose”.
He reminded members that the session was not convened to attack the government or any individual or to assign blame, saying, “We have seen far too much of that in recent weeks, both at home and abroad. This session has a more constructive purpose. It is intended to provide a frank and calm assessment of our security situation and to support the work of the President and the Executive. Our goal is to offer practical recommendations that strengthen the national response.
“I wish to remind Members that today’s debate will be conducted in accordance with the House Standing Orders. These rules emphasise discipline, decorum, and full respect for the chamber. Members wishing to speak should forward their written submissions through the designated floor clerks.
“Nigerians expect leadership that rises above partisanship and speaks with one voice at moments like this. Our work debate today must reinforce our commitment to the safety of every citizen and support the efforts of the President and the Executive.
“This is not a party affair but a national discourse. Our contributions should be tailored to strengthen Nigeria’s collective response to these attacks. Above all, our conduct must show that these acts of violence will not weaken our resolve or undermine our unity.”
