Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas,  has commended the Nigerian security forces on recent feats achieved in the fight against insurgency and other violent crimes, especially in the north east and north west regions of the country. 

The speaker has also canvassed the establishment of a joint security task force on illegal mining, a practice that had been widely blamed for the banditry in the north west and other parts of the country. 

Addressing his colleagues at the resumption of plenary from the Easter and Eid-el-Fitr recess on Tuesday,  Abbas said “we acknowledge with profound gratitude the recent feats recorded by our security forces in some parts of the country, most especially in Borno and Katsina States, where many terrorists and bandits were neutralised and weapons recovered. 

“I wish to express our profound gratitude and unwavering support to the brave men and women of our armed forces. Day and night, these courageous officers battle against the tides of insecurity and the scourge of terrorism that threatens the peace of our nation. The House will continue to support their efforts and ensure that the lives and livelihoods of all Nigerians are protected from any internal and external threats.”

He said however that despite significant progress in improving security, “recent happenings remind us of the task ahead. The gruesome and dastardly murder of military personnel in Okuama in Delta State highlights the risks faced by those who continuously put their lives on the line for our defence and security. While condemning the killings, the House commiserates with the families of the fallen heroes.” 

The speaker also lamented recent attacks on schools during which students were abducted, noting that, “These acts are not only heinous but are direct attacks on the future of Nigeria and rob children of their right to education and secure childhood. The implications of these assaults stretch far beyond the immediate pain and disruption they cause. They sow fear in communities, discourage school attendance, and potentially stifle the education of a generation. We must not allow the ambitions of our children to be thwarted by fear.”

According to him, the legislature’s intervention in the security sector will necessarily involve closer collaboration with the Executive. “As such, we recommend the establishment of a joint task force dedicated to addressing illegal mining and mineral theft. This task force will coordinate between various government agencies such as the mining police to ensure a unified and robust response to these crimes,” he said.