The House of Representatives on Tuesday called for stronger security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, saying the partnership could help tackle rising violence across the country.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas made the plea during a rare special plenary devoted to national security. Diplomats from the U.S. Embassy and a visiting delegation from St. Kitts and Nevis attended the session.
Lawmakers paused regular business to focus on kidnappings, mass killings and attacks that have shaken several states.
Abbas warned the violence appeared aimed “to instil fear, weaken public confidence, and create the illusion that violent groups can act without restraint.”
He said Nigeria must protect its sovereignty while working with partners to build capacity and share intelligence.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu told the chamber that porous borders, weak agency cooperation and ageing military equipment make the country vulnerable.
He said Nigeria needs “military modernization, defence policy and a strong legislative frameworks to safeguard Nigerian borders.”
The House minority leader, Kingsley Chinda, urged lawmakers to keep security above party or personal interest and pressed for tougher oversight of security chiefs.
He called for the reorganisation of community vigilante groups so they can operate under clear government rules and accountability.
U.S. officials at recent meetings signalled willingness to deepen cooperation, including intelligence sharing and faster processing of requests for equipment, lawmakers said.
The House asked security agencies to brief legislators and recommended a six-month security agenda to guide action.
