Worsening insecurity: Nigerian youths storm National Assembly
A group of young Nigerians staged a protest at the National Assembly on Tuesday, urging the federal government to take immediate, decisive action to combat the nation’s escalating insecurity.
According to The Guardian, the demonstration—tagged “Nigerians Unite Against Terror”—began at the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and concluded at the National Assembly complex. Participants demanded heightened security measures and greater accountability from government officials and security agencies.
A shared national crisis
Isah Abubakar, the convener of the group, emphasized that insecurity is a national challenge that transcends ethnic, religious, and political divides. He noted that persistent attacks by bandits and terrorists have restricted movement across the country, making travel hazardous.
“There are roads in Nigeria that you cannot safely travel on once it is 5 p.m.,” Abubakar stated. He stressed that criminal groups do not discriminate in their attacks, affecting members of all political parties—including the APC, ADC, PDP, and PRP—alike. “The bandits are not selective; they do not care about your religion, tribe, or political affiliation.”
Abubakar called on citizens to demand accountability from those charged with protecting lives and property. “It is time to provide security. It is time to protect our children and women from being violated,” he said. He further warned against allowing criminal elements to seize control of forests and rural communities, urging the government to adopt a more proactive and sincere approach to governance.
Calls for expert collaboration
Co-convener Austin Okhai appealed to retired military officers and former heads of security agencies—including former service chiefs, directors of the DSS, Inspectors-General of Police, and Commandants-General of the NSCDC—to contribute their expertise toward solving the security crisis.
Okhai argued that unchecked violence threatens the foundations of democracy. “No political party can effectively mobilize for a rally when people cannot safely return home,” he noted. Citing the recent abduction of the APC chairman in Kebbi State, he reiterated that no one is immune to the threat, regardless of status or political leaning.
He also reminded the National Assembly of its constitutional role in providing oversight of the nation’s security architecture. “The National Assembly has the right to demand accountability. It is a fundamental part of democracy,” Okhai added.
Strengthening security infrastructure
Regarding the potential establishment of state police and forest guards, Okhai stressed that proper funding, training, and equipment are non-negotiable. He warned that simply creating new structures would be ineffective if personnel are not adequately armed to confront criminals wielding assault rifles.
“The bandits’ only advantage is that they are armed with AK-47s. Even if we establish state police, failing to arm them properly would be a waste of time,” he warned, referencing a recent incident in Kwara State where inadequately equipped forest guards were disarmed by bandits.
The protesters concluded by urging all Nigerians to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing timely, actionable intelligence. “Our voices must be heard,” Okhai stated. “If you see something, you must say something and do something.”
