Insecurity: Reps query defence spending, summon NSA, ministers

Nigeria's House of Representatives has summoned the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, along with the Ministers of Defence and Finance, for an urgent questioning session. The summons is a direct response to the alarming increase in kidnappings across various parts of the country. Lawmakers specifically require details regarding the funds allocated to the Ministry of Defence over the last six months and a clear explanation for the perceived absence of corresponding security enhancements nationwide.

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The House is aware that between June 1 and 6, 2026, rampaging bandits riding on about 250 motorcycles with three riders each invaded Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency, and some parts of Sokoto villages bordering Zamfara State, killing 93 people.

The resolution was adopted after a motion of urgent public importance was presented on the floor of the House by Mr. Sulaiman Gumi, a representative from Zamfara State. Gumi highlighted the dire security situation in Zamfara and other northwestern regions, noting that ongoing insurgent violence has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by the current harsh economic conditions. He detailed specific incidents, including a large-scale bandit attack between June 1 and June 6, 2026, which resulted in 93 deaths in his constituency and bordering Sokoto villages.

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The House is also aware that on the night of June 2, 2026, into the early hours of June 3, 2026, seven students of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, were abducted by bandits at their off-campus students’ hostel.

Further illustrating the escalating insecurity, Gumi recounted the abduction of seven students from the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, on the night of June 2-3, 2026. He also mentioned the prolonged captivity of two senior lecturers from the same institution, despite ransom payments. Other violent incidents cited include attacks in Zurmi Local Government Area, where four people were killed and travelers abducted, and the tragic killing of a councillor and a director in Talata Marafa Local Government Area after they were kidnapped.

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We are aware of the violent attack by bandits on Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where four people were killed and several travellers abducted.

The lawmaker also drew attention to the widespread nature of these attacks, extending to other northwestern states like Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, and Jigawa. He cited a May 31, 2026, incident where 17 villagers were killed in Sokoto State, and noted that over 15 communities in Sokoto have been deserted due to constant banditry. The abduction of a retired Major General and his wife in Katsina State on May 30, 2026, further underscored the pervasive security challenges. The representative concluded by mentioning the recent kidnapping of 50 elderly men on Monday, who remain in captivity.

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On May 31, 2026, 17 villagers were killed when bandits in their hundreds and riding on motorcycles invaded Dangulbi community in Tureta Local Government Area of Sokoto State.