Abbas Urges Combined Military, Political, and Justice Measures to Tackle Nigeria’s Security Challenges

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has called for a multifaceted approach—combining military action, political dialogue, and justice—to address the persistent security challenges facing Nigeria.

Abbas made the remarks while commissioning officers’ accommodation at Niger Barracks Extension and the Link Road at Mambilla Barracks in Abuja. He noted that over the years, Nigeria has faced an array of threats, including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft, piracy, cybercrime, and transnational organised crime.

“These challenges evolve rapidly, testing the nation’s institutions and stretching resources,” Abbas said.

The Speaker emphasized that Nigeria’s story is not just about insecurity but also resilience, adaptation, and reform. He stated that addressing the country’s security challenges requires cooperation between the government and the society, adding that military action alone cannot provide a lasting solution.

Abbas stressed that military efforts must be complemented with political negotiations, community engagement, economic empowerment, and justice. He also highlighted that the House of Representatives, in collaboration with the Senate, has supported appropriations for critical platforms such as munitions, communications systems, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance capabilities, and force protection assets, while ensuring accountability and timely delivery.

The Speaker further disclosed that the National Assembly had approved funding for barracks rehabilitation, family housing, healthcare, mental health support, and post-service transition programs. Through effective oversight, the House has promoted inter-agency collaboration, clarified procurement processes, and drawn lessons from past experiences.

Abbas revealed that legislative proposals are underway to enhance professionalism and accountability within the security sector, including strengthening the legal framework for joint operations, improving welfare and pension systems for personnel and veterans, supporting local defence industries under the “Made-in-Nigeria” initiative, and developing agile logistics and maintenance structures.

He assured that the National Assembly remains committed to working with the Executive, the Armed Forces, traditional institutions, and international partners to achieve shared goals of peace and stability.

In his remarks, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, noted that the link road and newly constructed buildings were designed not only for convenience but also to improve efficiency, safety, and comfort for officers. He explained that the Niger Barracks Extension Block would accommodate policy makers at the Defence Headquarters and provide a conducive environment for formulating forward-looking policies.