The House of Representatives has strongly criticised the Federal Government over claims that it engaged in negotiations with bandits to secure the release of 24 students abducted from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State.
The lawmakers’ position came in a statement issued by a coalition called “House to the Rescue”, following disclosures by presidential aide Bayo Onanuga suggesting that dialogue with kidnappers was part of the process leading to the students’ release.
According to the coalition, negotiating with criminal groups undermines national security and risks encouraging further abductions. They noted that countries like Colombia, Mexico, Afghanistan, Somalia, and Mali experienced worsening insecurity after engaging violent non-state actors.
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The group, representing all six geopolitical zones, warned that dialogue with armed kidnappers could legitimise criminal activities, creating a pattern in which abductors expect government intermediaries rather than facing law enforcement pressure.
The coalition urged the Federal Government to:
- Halt all negotiations with bandits
- Prioritise intelligence-led security operations for victim rescue
- Implement a clearly defined national security strategy
Ensure National Assembly oversight over officials involved in unauthorised engagements with criminal groups
The statement was signed by: 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).
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