The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has called on Nigerians to remain resolute in the face of escalating terrorist and bandit attacks, urging collective unity to confront the country’s worsening security challenges.
Gatekeepers News reports that Abbas delivered the message on Tuesday during a special plenary session on national security held at the House chambers. The session was attended by officials from the United States Embassy; the Speaker of the Parliament of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Rt. Hon. Lanien Blanchette; Members of Parliament; Cabinet Ministers; and representatives of civil society organisations.
He also cautioned Nigerians against the spread of misinformation and disinformation, warning that the misuse of social media could heighten tensions and undermine national security efforts.
“The events of the past week reveal a deeply troubling escalation in violence across several states,” Abbas said. “The various attacks are not only coordinated but also designed to destabilise our country. They aim to create the impression that violent groups can act without restraint. They focus on soft and vulnerable targets.
“Their purpose is to instil fear, weaken public confidence, and give the illusion of being everywhere at once. Nigeria must reject this tactic. We must resist fear and stand firm against those who rely on cruelty and spectacle to advance their evil ideologies.”
Addressing the rapid spread of false narratives online, he added:
“Alongside the violence, another threat is emerging. False information spreads rapidly. Unverified claims and fake images can escalate tension and undermine security efforts. Misleading posts on social media can inflame communities, cause panic, and erode trust in institutions.
“I urge Nigerians to rely on official sources and reputable news outlets. I also ask Members of this House to be cautious about what we share. Our words must promote stability, not add to confusion.”
Abbas explained that the decision to dedicate the plenary entirely to national security was a deliberate choice that “reflects the seriousness of the moment and our duty to speak for our constituents.”
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and the swift actions of security forces following recent attacks.
“Acting squarely on the firm directives of the President, our security forces responded swiftly and courageously,” Abbas said. He highlighted the President’s decision to postpone a scheduled trip to the G20 Summit in South Africa, adding that it “set the tone for a more coordinated national response.”
Abbas noted that the President’s engagement mirrored his recent remarks at the Arewa Consultative Forum, where Tinubu declared that “nothing troubles me more gravely than the security situation in Nigeria, particularly in the northern region,” describing the President’s leadership as reflecting “both political responsibility and moral urgency.”
The Speaker also pointed to early results from ongoing reforms to the security architecture, saying improved coordination among security services has contributed to freeing thousands of captives, eliminating high-ranking commanders of violent networks, and enabling millions of displaced persons to return home.
He concluded by stressing the need for unity and non-partisan leadership:
“The debate must reinforce our commitment to the safety of every citizen and support the efforts of the President and the Executive.”
