In response to the worsening security situation across Nigeria, members of the House of Representatives convened for a special plenary session on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. The emergency meeting addresses the alarming rise in violent incidents that have shaken the nation in recent weeks.
Critical Security Threats Prompt Emergency Action
The decision to hold this special session follows several high-profile security breaches that have captured national attention. The mass abduction of students in both Kebbi and Niger states, coupled with the kidnapping of worshippers from the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, created urgent pressure for legislative action. These incidents represent a disturbing pattern of attacks targeting both educational institutions and religious gatherings.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas opened the proceedings with a strong statement on national sovereignty, emphasizing that Nigeria's sovereignty is not negotiable. However, he also acknowledged the importance of maintaining positive relations with international partners, particularly the United States, and welcomed potential collaboration on addressing security concerns.
Key Legislative Responses and Security Measures
During the tense session, several significant legislative initiatives were announced. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu revealed that within the next six months, the House will pass legislation prohibiting ransom negotiations with kidnappers and bandits. This proposed law represents a major policy shift and includes provisions for criminal penalties against government officials who engage in ransom negotiations or authorize unstructured amnesty deals.
Kalu further called for an immediate investigation into allegations that government entities have previously negotiated with bandits and paid ransoms. The proposed legislation would also establish clear criteria for disarmament processes, creating a more structured approach to dealing with armed groups.
Simultaneously, Speaker Abbas confirmed that the House is carefully working on the Religious Freedom Accountability Bill, noting that both Christian and Muslim communities have been targeted by terrorist organizations. This legislation aims to provide greater protection for religious freedom and hold perpetrators accountable for religion-based attacks.
International Engagement and Comprehensive Assessment
The special plenary session included significant international participation, with the Speaker of St Kitts and Nevis, Lanein Blanchette, leading a delegation into the chamber. Representatives from the United States Embassy also attended the proceedings, highlighting the international dimension of Nigeria's security challenges.
Lawmakers are expected to receive a consolidated internal assessment prepared by multiple relevant committees, including those focusing on security incidents, emerging trends, oversight findings, and implementation status of previous security-related resolutions. This comprehensive review will incorporate input from committees on defense, national security and intelligence, police affairs, human rights, interior, foreign affairs, women's affairs, youth development, and emergency and disaster preparedness.
At the conclusion of the session, a formal resolution summarizing agreed actions, timelines, and oversight mechanisms is anticipated. This document will provide a roadmap for the government's response to the current security crisis and establish accountability measures for implementation.
Regional Responses to Security Crisis
While federal lawmakers addressed the crisis at the national level, regional and state authorities have also taken action. The Lagos State Police Command has implemented enhanced security measures at schools and worship centers following the wave of attacks across the country.
Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh briefed journalists on these security enhancements amid the deteriorating security situation. Meanwhile, six southwest governors convened for a closed-door meeting in Ibadan, Oyo state capital, specifically responding to the attack on the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Ekiti local government area of Kwara state.
This coordinated response at both federal and regional levels underscores the severity of the security challenges facing Africa's most populous nation and the urgent need for comprehensive solutions that address both immediate threats and underlying causes of instability.
