Reps Criticize Alleged Negotiations with Bandits

The House of Representatives on Wednesday openly criticized the Federal Government over claims that it engaged in negotiations with bandits to secure the release of the twenty-four students recently abducted from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State.

This strong stance was articulated in a statement issued by a coalition of lawmakers known as “House to the Rescue.” The criticism follows disclosures by Presidential Aide Bayo Onanuga, who had suggested that negotiations formed part of the process leading to the students’ freedom.

The bipartisan coalition of lawmakers warned that initiating dialogue with criminal groups responsible for abductions fundamentally undermines national security and could inadvertently encourage further kidnappings across the country.

Their reaction was heightened following a special plenary session on Tuesday, during which members from various parties raised deep concerns over the rapidly increasing insecurity nationwide.

The “House to the Rescue” group, which boasts representatives from all six geopolitical zones, cautioned that engaging in dialogue with armed non-state actors responsible for attacks and abductions risks granting legitimacy to their criminal activities.

The lawmakers drew parallels with international examples, citing experiences from countries like Colombia, Mexico, Afghanistan, Somalia, and Mali. They argued that nations which have previously engaged violent groups often witness a subsequent worsening of their overall security situation.

The coalition’s members contended that such negotiations risk establishing a dangerous pattern where abductors expect the arrival of government emissaries instead of facing pressure from law enforcement operations.

Consequently, the group urged the Federal Government to immediately discontinue any talks with bandits. They demanded a clear pivot toward prioritizing intelligence-led security operations as the primary means to rescue victims and neutralize threats.

Furthermore, the coalition called for the government to urgently define a clear national security strategy. They also pressed for the National Assembly to assert its oversight function over any government officials found to be involved in unauthorized engagements with criminal organizations.

The statement conveying this firm position was jointly signed by key representatives from across the country, including Muhammed Soba for the North West, Zakari Mohammed for the North Central, Olasupo Abiodun for the South West, Sadiq Ibrahim for the North East, Uko Nkole for the South East, and Bassey Ewa for the South South.