Reps Minority Caucus Proposes $5bn From External Reserves To Tackle Insecurity
The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to consider allocating $5 billion from the country’s external reserves to strengthen ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity across Northern Nigeria.
The lawmakers said the additional funding would support an extraordinary national security intervention amid persistent attacks, kidnappings and displacement in parts of the region.
In a statement signed by the Minority Leader, Fredrick Agbedi, and the caucus spokesperson, Afam Ogene, the lawmakers urged President Bola Tinubu to sustain and intensify security operations in communities affected by terrorism and banditry.
The caucus cited recent incidents in Plateau, Niger, Sokoto, Kaduna and Katsina states, where communities have experienced attacks and abductions.
It also expressed concern over the continued absence of some schoolchildren abducted in Borno State and called for enhanced efforts to secure their safe return.
The lawmakers advocated an intelligence-led and sustained security strategy, including increased presence of security personnel in affected areas and operations targeting terrorist and bandit hideouts, forests and other criminal enclaves.
According to the caucus, security operations should focus on disrupting the activities and movement of criminal groups while protecting civilians in affected communities.
“If funding is an issue, the government should draw $5 billion from the nation’s external reserves for an extraordinary national security intervention,” the lawmakers said.
They argued that protecting the lives and livelihoods of citizens should remain a major priority of government.
The caucus also welcomed the recent increase in the salaries of members of the Armed Forces, describing it as a positive step towards improving the welfare and morale of security personnel.
It, however, urged the President to forward the necessary amendment to the 2026 Appropriation Act and a Supplementary Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly to facilitate implementation of the salary increase.
The lawmakers further said the National Assembly will be ready to reconvene, where necessary, to ensure that the process is concluded without unnecessary delays.
Beyond funding, the caucus urged the President to sustain direct engagement with communities affected by insecurity, including through a visit to Zamfara State and Illela, to reassure residents and assess the situation firsthand.
The Minority Caucus also called for the release of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, describing his detention as a matter requiring attention.
The lawmakers said their position was also linked to broader concerns about public confidence in the consistency of the Federal Government’s anti-corruption efforts.
The caucus urged the Federal Government to continue strengthening its security response and ensure that adequate resources are made available to protect communities and rescue citizens held by criminal groups.
It said the priority should be to restore security, protect lives and livelihoods, and create conditions for residents of affected communities to return to normal activities.
