The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to immediately deploy additional troops to troubled communities in Borno State and Kaduna State following a surge in deadly bandit attacks and mass abductions.
The resolution followed motions of urgent public importance moved during Thursday’s plenary by lawmakers representing the affected constituencies.
Raising the alarm, Midala Balami decried the worsening insecurity in Askira-Uba/Hawul Federal Constituency, citing repeated attacks on communities including Mussa Ward, Leho, Pubagu, Kwajaffa, and Harang villages.
He noted that recent violence has led to killings, destruction of property, and the abduction of about 20 persons along the Biu Buratai Damaturu road, including women and children.
Balami warned that persistent attacks have crippled socio-economic activities, displaced families, and created widespread fear, stressing that current security responses remain inadequate.
He, however, commended Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum for strengthening local vigilante groups and supporting ongoing military operations.
Adopting the motion, the House called for the immediate deployment of military and paramilitary personnel to affected communities and demanded the safe rescue of abducted victims.
Lawmakers also urged the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, and other security chiefs to intensify surveillance and establish permanent security outposts in the region.
The House further directed the National Emergency Management Agency to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to victims displaced by the attacks.
In a related motion, Gabriel Zock highlighted a similar security crisis in Kachia/Kagarko Federal Constituency of Kaduna State.
He disclosed that over 20 to 30 people have been killed in recent coordinated attacks, while between 260 and 350 residents were abducted between October 2025 and April 2026.
Zock detailed a pattern of mass kidnappings, including the abduction of more than 180 residents in January 2026 and a single-night raid in February that saw 32 persons taken in Kagarko.
He also cited the March 29 attack on Kahir community, where 13 people were killed and about 30 others abducted.
According to him, several communities including Kachia town, Kwaturu, Katari axis, and Kurmin Kare remain under constant threat, with bandits often operating for hours without prompt security response.
He warned that the sustained violence has displaced entire villages, disrupted economic activities, and deepened food insecurity and poverty.
Following deliberations, the House mandated its Committees on National Security and Intelligence, Defence, Police Affairs, and Army to assess the situation and report within two weeks.
It also called for the establishment of additional forward operating bases and rapid response units to strengthen security presence and deter further attacks.
