The House of Representatives on Tuesday held an emergency plenary dedicated to Nigeria’s worsening security situation.
The session opened with two foreign delegations present in the chamber, drawing immediate attention to the seriousness of the meeting.
A delegation from St Kitts and Nevis, led by Speaker Lanein Blanchette, was admitted into the hall.
Another team from the United States Embassy also joined the plenary. Both groups observed proceedings as lawmakers reviewed Nigeria’s internal security challenges.
The House sat to consider a consolidated security assessment prepared by several committees.
The document captures recent attacks, worrying trends, earlier oversight findings, and the status of past resolutions.
Committees on defence, national security, intelligence, police affairs, interior, human rights, women affairs, youth development, foreign affairs and emergency response were scheduled to present updates.
A formal resolution is expected at the end of deliberations. Lawmakers plan to outline clear actions, timelines, and monitoring structures for all agencies involved.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, in his opening remarks, insisted that Nigeria’s sovereignty “is not negotiable.” He stressed the importance of maintaining strong ties with the United States while addressing shared security concerns.
Abbas said cooperation with international partners remains vital as Nigeria battles terror groups.
He also noted that the House is working carefully on the Religious Freedom Accountability Bill.
According to him, both Christians and Muslims have fallen victim to organised terror attacks, making the legislation necessary.
Abbas raised fresh concerns over the wave of military coups in neighbouring West African countries. He warned that rising instability in the region continues to affect Nigeria’s internal security.
The emergency session followed weeks of intense public anger over mass abductions. Students and worshippers were recently taken in Kebbi and Niger States, forcing schools to shut down in several northern communities.
Opposition leaders have criticised the government’s response and urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to act swiftly.
International attention has also grown. Last week, the U.S. Congress held a public hearing after President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern. Witnesses detailed killings, kidnappings, and property destruction across the country.
In a related development, Politics Nigeria earlier reported the closure of several schools across northern states due to repeated attacks on students, prompting renewed calls for stronger security around learning centres.