House of Reps Holds Special Plenary Over National Security

The House of Representatives on Tuesday held a special plenary session dedicated to addressing Nigeria’s escalating national security challenges, admitting delegations from St. Kitts and Nevis and the United States Embassy as observers.

The session is expected to consider a consolidated Internal Assessment prepared by various committees, covering security incidents, trends, oversight findings, previous resolutions, and evidence-based reports from committees on defence, national security, intelligence, police affairs, human rights, interior, foreign affairs, women affairs, youth development, and emergency preparedness.

At the end of the special plenary, lawmakers are anticipated to adopt a formal resolution outlining agreed actions, timelines, and oversight mechanisms to strengthen Nigeria’s response to insecurity nationwide.

In his opening remarks, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas said Nigeria’s sovereignty remains non-negotiable, noting that the House values its longstanding relationship with the United States while working on legislation such as the Religious Freedom Accountability Bill.

Abbas warned of rising threats from terrorist groups targeting both Christian and Muslim communities, and also raised concerns over the resurgence of military coups in neighbouring West African countries.

“We stand firm that Nigeria’s sovereignty is not negotiable,” he said. “Our Christian and Muslim communities have both been targeted by terrorist groups, and we are committed to ensuring stronger legislative action to protect all citizens.”

“In the coming months, we will pass laws prohibiting ransom negotiation, impose penalties on officials who engage in unstructured amnesty deals, and establish strict criteria for disarmament,” Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu added, calling for an investigation into reported negotiations with bandits.

Tuesday’s session follows heightened insecurity across the country, including mass abductions in Niger and Kebbi states, the closure of schools in northern regions, and mounting criticism from opposition figures, alongside recent U.S. congressional hearings on Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern.