ABUJA, Nigeria (Oct. 18, 2025) — Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has called for a mix of military action, political dialogue, and justice to tackle Nigeria’s growing security challenges.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Abbas made the call on Friday during the inauguration of the officers’ accommodation and Link Road at the Niger Barracks extension in Abuja. He said Nigeria’s security problems have become complex, and no single approach can bring lasting peace.

“The time has come for us to adopt a holistic approach,” Abbas said. “Military action alone cannot solve every challenge. It must be complemented by political negotiations, community participation, economic empowerment, and justice.”

The speaker said Nigeria faces multiple security threats, including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft, piracy, cybercrime, and organized criminal networks. These, he noted, have tested the nation’s unity and resilience for over a decade.

Abbas emphasized that while military operations have yielded results, they cannot succeed without strong political will and social reforms. He called on government at all levels to promote community engagement and economic opportunities to address the root causes of insecurity.

“The government must ensure that justice prevails and that people do not take the law into their own hands,” he added. “Where there is justice, there will be peace.”

The speaker also highlighted steps the National Assembly has taken to support the armed forces. These include approving funds for modern equipment, intelligence gathering, and improved welfare for security personnel. He said lawmakers remain committed to ensuring that the military has the tools it needs to protect citizens.

“We have prioritized funding for critical platforms, ammunition, surveillance systems, and welfare of our men and women in uniform,” Abbas said. “Their sacrifice must be matched with our support.”

Abbas further urged the military to strengthen collaboration among security agencies and invest in local defence production to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. He said this would create jobs and build national capacity in the defence sector.

In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, commended the National Assembly for its consistent support to the armed forces. He said the military remains committed to ending insecurity across the country through both kinetic and non-kinetic means.

Security analysts say Abbas’ comments reflect growing recognition that Nigeria’s conflicts cannot be solved by force alone. They argue that political dialogue and justice are necessary to address grievances and rebuild trust between citizens and security agencies.

For years, Nigeria has battled violence in several regions — from Boko Haram attacks in the Northeast to banditry and kidnapping in the Northwest and North Central. Experts warn that poverty, unemployment, and weak governance continue to fuel these crises.

Abbas’ call for a comprehensive approach aligns with ongoing efforts by the government to reform the security sector and strengthen coordination among agencies. The House of Representatives has also pledged to pass laws that improve accountability and oversight in defence spending.

“The legislature stands ready to work with the executive, the armed forces, traditional rulers, and our international partners to restore peace and stability,” Abbas said.

As the 10th National Assembly continues its legislative agenda, the speaker’s remarks could signal a stronger push toward policy reforms that balance force with fairness. Observers say the success of this approach will depend on sustained political commitment, funding, and cooperation among all stakeholders.

For now, Nigerians are watching to see if the call for a combined strategy — one that blends security operations, dialogue, and justice — can bring real change to one of Africa’s most complex security landscapes.

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