The House of Representatives has formally appealed to President Bola Tinubu to adopt a new security strategy to stem the tide of killings, kidnappings, and widespread banditry particularly in Zamfara State but also across Nigeria. The call came through an “urgent public importance” motion moved by Hon. Kabiru Amadu, who represents Gusau/Tsafe Federal Constituency in Zamfara. He painted a harrowing picture for his colleagues: armed bandits reportedly operated for “two to three weeks” on motorcycles in his constituency, mounting raids with minimal effective pushback from security forces. Amadu said these criminal networks have imposed an extortion “tax” of ₦100 million on impoverished local communities, worsening food insecurity, driving people from their homes, and deepening poverty among farmers and traders.
In adopting his motion, the House acknowledged not only the immediate human toll lives lost, people abducted, property destroyed but also the long-term structural risks: local economies collapsing under persistent violence, displacement of citizens, and weakening of state authority. They urged the presidency to reassess existing tactics, invest in intelligence-led operations, and support community-based protection initiatives. The decision reflects growing frustration in the legislature over a security approach that many see as reactive rather than strategic.
