By Adenike Lawal
The House of Representatives has urged security agencies to deploy surveillance cameras and advanced technology to track and eliminate bandits across Nigeria.
Leading a motion of urgent public importance, Rep. Billy Osawaru (Edo State) emphasized the need for comprehensive forest surveillance to prevent criminal hideouts.
Lawmakers also called for collaboration with local vigilante groups to enhance security efforts.
Osawaru cited the 1999 Constitution, stressing the government’s duty to protect lives and property.
He highlighted Nigeria’s rising insecurity, including banditry, terrorism, kidnappings, and armed robbery, which have led to widespread fear, economic decline, and food scarcity.
Referencing National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data, he revealed that Nigerians paid N2.23 trillion in ransom between May 2023 and April 2024, with 51.89 million reported crimes in the same period.
While regional security outfits like Amotekun in the South-West have made strides, Osawaru urged similar efforts in the South-South to curb criminal expansion.
He called for innovative security strategies, warning that unchecked banditry could further destabilize the nation.
