Nigerian Lawmakers Condemn Government Negotiations With Bandits
Members of Nigeria’s House of Representatives have strongly criticized the Federal Government for engaging in talks with bandits who kidnapped 24 students from a school in Kebbi State, according to a report from Hallmark News.
The lawmakers, operating under a bipartisan coalition called “House to the Rescue,” issued their condemnation on Wednesday following revelations by presidential adviser Bayo Onanuga about the negotiations. Representatives from all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria participated in the statement.
The legislators argued that negotiating with criminal groups responsible for abductions sends a dangerous message that criminality can be rewarded. They expressed concern that such an approach encourages rather than deters kidnappings and banditry.
Drawing comparisons to international cases, the lawmakers referenced situations in Colombia, Mexico, Afghanistan, Somalia, and Mali where similar negotiation attempts reportedly failed to end violence and instead intensified security problems.
The House members are calling for the government to halt all discussions with bandits and instead focus on intelligence-driven rescue missions. They’re also demanding enhanced parliamentary oversight of any officials engaging with criminal organizations and the development of a thorough national security strategy.
The statement was signed by representatives from each zone: 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).
