The House of Representatives has scheduled a full-day debate on national security for Thursday, responding to the escalating wave of killings, mass abductions, and violent attacks spreading across Nigeria.
The announcement, made by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen during plenary on Tuesday, emphasized the urgency of addressing the deteriorating security situation through concerted action by lawmakers and security agencies. The move highlights the government’s recognition of the need for immediate legislative oversight and intervention to tackle the crisis that continues to grip multiple regions.
Speaker Tajudeen underscored the importance of dedicated attention to security issues, explaining that the complexity and severity of recent attacks necessitate a focused session. “We are deeply saddened by what has happened – very unfortunate incidents,” he said, noting that Thursday’s plenary will provide lawmakers the opportunity to present detailed reports from their constituencies.
The Speaker’s directive reflects an understanding that national security challenges require both policy-level engagement and input from those most affected on the ground.
The decision comes amid growing global attention on Nigeria’s insecurity, following remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who claimed that “record numbers of Christians” were being killed in the country. Trump’s statements, which included a warning that the U.S. “would not allow it to continue” and hints at “fast, vicious, and sweet” military action, have been widely debated and disputed. Nonetheless, they have drawn international focus to Nigeria’s persistent security challenges, underscoring the urgency of domestic and regional solutions.
Tensions were palpable in the House chamber when Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda attempted to move a motion addressing the recent abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the killing of a military general. Speaker Abbas stepped down the motion, reiterating that Thursday would be reserved strictly for security matters.
“This particular event is one of the reasons that informed our decision,” the Speaker said, emphasizing that the House is committed to thorough deliberation on all security issues affecting constituents.
Abbas called on all security agencies to intensify operations and rethink strategies to combat insurgency, banditry, and communal violence. He urged them to act decisively to ensure the safety of Nigerian lives and properties, reinforcing the expectation that both preventive and responsive measures must be strengthened. His directive reflects growing frustration with recurring attacks and signals a legislative push for accountability in national security operations.
Lawmakers were instructed to come prepared with detailed reports from their constituencies, highlighting insecurity patterns, local challenges, and ongoing efforts by state and community authorities. By consolidating these submissions, the House aims to create a comprehensive understanding of threats across regions, enabling more targeted legislative and policy interventions. Tajudeen emphasized that every member’s input is critical to shaping effective strategies and improving coordination with security agencies.
Amid the parliamentary focus on security, the European Union and Search for Common Ground launched The Hustle Reality Show (Buge Buge) on Tuesday, targeting youth engagement as a tool for peacebuilding.
The initiative seeks to address insecurity in Nigeria’s North-West, particularly in Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto States, by equipping young people with entrepreneurship skills, mentorship, and platforms for conflict resolution over a 24-month period.
EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, described the initiative as part of the EU’s Youth Action Plan, designed to empower marginalized communities and foster connections across social and regional divides.
“The Hustle Reality Show embodies all three pillars by reaching youths from different communities, equipping them with entrepreneurial skills, and building networks that cut across social, ethnic, and regional lines,” he said, emphasizing the link between youth development and societal resilience.
Francis Diakanda, West Africa Regional Director of Search for Common Ground, highlighted the structural causes of violence in the North-West, including high unemployment, social exclusion, and limited opportunities for youth.
Citing recent youth-led research, he noted that 92 percent of young people surveyed believed they could lead peacebuilding and entrepreneurial initiatives in their communities. The programme is designed to provide both the skills and platforms for young leaders to contribute positively to local development.
The reality-style programme combines business challenges, mentorship, and peacebuilding activities, aiming to engage young people as agents of change while simultaneously entertaining audiences.
“This show is more than entertainment; it is a peacebuilding tool designed to inspire millions of viewers and demonstrate that collaboration, tolerance, and innovation can bridge divides and reduce violence,” Diakanda said, stressing the innovative approach to community engagement.
Security challenges in Nigeria’s North-West have been intensifying over the past decade, driven by banditry, farmer–herder clashes, kidnappings, and communal tensions. Rural communities in Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto States have experienced recurring violence, displacement, and the collapse of local economies. The persistent insecurity has disrupted education, trade, and agricultural activities, further exacerbating poverty and social instability.
The combination of legislative attention and civil society initiatives reflects a multi-pronged approach to addressing insecurity. While lawmakers prepare to scrutinize security operations and demand accountability from state agencies, programs like Buge Buge seek to tackle the root causes of violence by empowering youth and fostering economic inclusion. This dual strategy illustrates the understanding that sustainable peace requires both enforcement and community-driven solutions.
Experts note that youth-focused interventions can significantly reduce vulnerability to recruitment by criminal or insurgent groups. By providing young people with skills, mentorship, and leadership opportunities, initiatives such as The Hustle Reality Show aim to create alternatives to violence and offer hope in regions historically plagued by insecurity.
The approach aligns with broader international development frameworks emphasizing education, inclusion, and economic opportunity as pillars of peace.
The House of Representatives’ upcoming debate is expected to cover various dimensions of insecurity, including attacks on schools, displacement, abductions, and the efficacy of current security strategies.
Lawmakers are likely to examine the roles of local vigilante groups, state police, and military interventions, while assessing gaps in intelligence, coordination, and rapid response mechanisms. The session may also address policy reforms aimed at enhancing security infrastructure and fostering community resilience.
As Nigeria grapples with these intertwined challenges, the combination of national legislative oversight, international partnerships, and innovative youth programming reflects a comprehensive approach to tackling insecurity.
The success of such measures depends on sustained commitment, adequate resources, and the inclusion of local communities as active stakeholders in peacebuilding and development initiatives.