A member of the House of Representatives, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, has described Nigeria’s security situation as “horrific” and urged the National Assembly to consider extraordinary measures, including a possible legislative emergency, to address the crisis.
Speaking during plenary presided over by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, Doguwa, who represents Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency of Kano State, said his criticism was from within the ruling party. “I am a member of the APC and by extension part of this government, but I speak with concern about the security situation,” he stated.
He acknowledged briefings from security committee chairpersons but argued that the performance of security institutions has fallen short of public expectations. “The government and security agencies are doing their best, but their best is not good enough. The situation is tragic, especially in the North,” he said.
According to him, persistent killings, kidnappings and banditry have left communities in fear, adding that the crisis undermines the core responsibility of government — protecting lives and property. He described the situation as resembling a “war against humanity.”
Doguwa stressed that insecurity cuts across religion, ethnicity and political affiliation, warning that it could affect the conduct of future elections, particularly ahead of the 2027 general polls. He asked, “How do we expect peaceful elections when farmers cannot farm and traders cannot go to markets?”
He urged the House to move beyond debates and strengthen its oversight role. He even suggested suspending routine legislative activities to focus on the security challenge, saying lawmakers should consider declaring a legislative emergency if necessary.
The lawmaker also called on colleagues to take proactive steps in their constituencies by supporting and reorganising local vigilante and community security structures to complement formal security agencies.
Highlighting conditions in his constituency, Doguwa said parts of southern Kano, especially the Polgore area, have seen rising cases of kidnappings and attacks. He lamented that once peaceful communities now experience insecurity daily.
Despite his strong criticism, Doguwa reaffirmed his loyalty to the ruling All Progressives Congress and President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying he remains committed to the party’s “Renewed Hope” agenda while demanding stronger action on security.
