Reps Fault FG Over Negotiations With Bandits

The House of Representatives, under the coalition “House to the Rescue,” has sharply criticised the Federal Government for entering into negotiations with armed bandits to secure the release of 24 abducted students in Kebbi State. The position followed revelations from presidential aide Bayo Onanuga that the talks took place.

During a special plenary session on Tuesday, lawmakers lamented the growing wave of kidnappings across the country and the fear gripping citizens. In a joint statement signed by members from all six geopolitical zones, the group stated that holding talks with criminal networks was a betrayal of public trust and a blow to national security.

The lawmakers argued that such engagements reward criminality and embolden violent groups, pointing to global instances including Colombia, Mexico, Afghanistan, Somalia and Mali where negotiations with insurgents and cartels worsened violence instead of ending it. They warned that similar outcomes await Nigeria if the government continues on this path.

They called on the Federal Government to immediately halt all discussions with armed groups, prioritise intelligence-led rescue operations, and present a clear national security strategy. The coalition also demanded full National Assembly oversight of any officials linked to unauthorised contacts with kidnappers.