WORSENING INSECURITY: Nigeria lawmakers ask President Buhari to declare a state of emergency

Reps call for audit of arms, ammunition, recruitment of operatives

The House of Representatives on Tuesday after a three-hour closed-door meeting has asked President  Muhammadu Buhari to declare a state of emergency on security.

The reps also asked all security committees to immediately audit all arms and ammunition of security agencies within four weeks as well as immediate recruitment of operatives.

Members of the house of reps condemned the attacks on security personnel and formations around the country and sympathized with the families of victims of banditry and other terrorist acts particularly in Ukpo, Ifitedunu, Dunukofia, Geidam LGA, Abagana, IDP Camp in Makurdi Urikpam, Jato-Aka, Police Divisions in the South East, Ehime Mbano, Uzo-Uwani in Enugu State, Uzuakoli, Abia State, Balanga Local Government Area of Gombe State, and parts of Imo and Nationwide.

The House reiterated its commitment to ensuring that country is secured, while announcing its resolve to organise a special security summit and invite the National Security Adviser, Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (retd.); the service chiefs, heads of paramilitary agencies, and NIGCOMSAT.

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The House also resolved that “The President should immediately declare emergency on the security sector,” while calling on the judiciary to accelerate the trial of suspected terrorists, bandits, and others criminals.

“The President should as a matter of urgency ensure financial autonomy for local governments,” the lawmakers said while calling on the Federal Government to ensure the protection of national infrastructure across the country.

While asking all security committees to immediately audit arms and ammunition of security agencies within four weeks, the House stated that “the number of personnel in police and military fall far short to effectively secure the country,” calling for immediate recruitment of operatives.

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