By Taiwo Scholarstica
The House of Representatives has summoned the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, and the Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, over the increasing cases of kidnapping and bandit attacks in parts of the country.
The lawmakers want the officials to explain the security situation and provide details of funds released to the Ministry of Defence in the last six months.
The decision was taken on Tuesday after the House adopted a motion moved by the member representing Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency of Zamfara State, Sulaiman Gumi.
While presenting the motion, Gumi raised concerns over the worsening security situation in Zamfara and other states in the North-West.
He said bandits killed 93 people during attacks on communities in Zamfara and parts of Sokoto State between June 1 and June 6, 2026.
The lawmaker also recalled the abduction of seven students of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, and the kidnapping of two lecturers from the institution. He said several other attacks in Zamfara had resulted in deaths and abductions.
Gumi further noted that bandit attacks have continued in states such as Sokoto, Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi and Jigawa, forcing many residents to flee their communities.
During the debate, some lawmakers called for the creation of state police to help tackle insecurity, while others suggested stricter measures to prevent ransom payments to kidnappers.
Following the adoption of the motion, the House agreed to invite the officials for questioning on a date to be announced later.
The lawmakers also urged the Ministry of Defence to deploy more security personnel and equipment to Zamfara and other North-West states and directed relevant committees to report back within two weeks.