House of Reps Berates Tinubu Govt for Entering Secret Negotiations With Bandits

• The House of Representatives has condemned the Federal Government for negotiating with bandits behind the abduction of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi, warning that the move undermines national security and encourages further kidnappings.

The House of Representatives has sharply criticised the Federal Government for engaging in negotiations with bandits responsible for abducting 24 students of Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State.

Lawmakers, speaking under the bipartisan platform “House to the Rescue,” said the disclosure by presidential adviser Bayo Onanuga amounts to a grave violation of public trust and sends a dangerous message that criminals can secure rewards through violence.

Their reaction followed a tense special plenary session a day earlier, during which members expressed deep concern over the nationwide deterioration of security and the rising fear among citizens amid recurring kidnappings and bandit attacks.

In a joint statement representing all six geopolitical zones, the lawmakers said:

“The House to the Rescue condemns in strong terms the Federal Government’s decision to negotiate with bandits and criminal networks orchestrating the nationwide wave of kidnappings. While Nigerians are pleading for safety, the government is choosing to sit with those who abduct their children, sack communities, and challenge the sovereignty of the state.”

The lawmakers described the move as a dereliction of duty, citing recent abductions in Kano, Kwara, Kebbi and other states that have left communities traumatised and in mourning.

According to them, initiating dialogue with violent non-state actors only emboldens criminals. “No credible nation rewards the abduction of its citizens with negotiations. It sets a precedent that invites more kidnappings,” the statement added.

They referenced global examples — including Colombia’s FARC rebels, Mexican cartel facilitators, the Taliban in Afghanistan, Somali warlords and jihadist groups in Mali — arguing that similar negotiations in those countries led to escalated violence rather than peace.

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The legislators warned that Nigeria is already witnessing a comparable trend, where every negotiation appears to trigger another wave of attacks.

They urged the Federal Government to immediately halt all talks with bandits and instead prioritise intelligence-driven rescue operations. They also demanded a comprehensive national security plan and full parliamentary oversight of any officials involved in unauthorised engagements with criminal networks.

The joint statement was signed by Muhammed Soba (North West), Zakari Mohammed (North Central), Olasupo Abiodun (South West), Sadiq Ibrahim (North East), Uko Nkole (South East) and Bassey Ewa (South South).