The House of Representatives has called on the Nigerian police and other security agencies to collaborate with local vigilante groups in eliminating bandits and herdsmen hiding in forests across the country.
The resolution was reached after a motion of urgent public importance was moved by Rep. Billy Osawaru during plenary on Wednesday.
Osawaru highlighted the persistent insecurity in Nigeria, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling, and armed robbery.
He noted that critical national infrastructure is under constant threat from vandalism and attacks by unknown gunmen.
“The Amotekun Corps has mobilized over 2,000 personnel to flush out bandits in the South-West, and similar action should be extended to forests in the South-South,” he stated.
He warned that insecurity is harming the nation’s growth, leading to:
Mass displacement of citizens
Decline in food production, hunger, and inflation
Reduced investor confidence
The House expressed concern over the deficiencies in Nigeria’s security architecture, stressing the need to reassess and strengthen the country’s strategy against crime.
“If decisive actions are not taken, the insecurity crisis may spread to relatively peaceful areas,” Osawaru cautioned.
The plenary, presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, directed its Committees on Police Institutions, Army, Interior, and Legislative Compliance to ensure implementation and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.