Nigeria’s House of Representatives has adopted an extensive set of national security reform resolutions following a three-day special debate held from November 25 to 27, 2025.
The session on Wednesday, brought together principal officers, caucus leaders, committee chairmen and security experts, producing one of the most far-reaching security policy documents ever issued by the Green Chamber. The resolutions cover fiscal reforms, institutional restructuring, technology upgrades, welfare improvements, judicial changes, socio-economic interventions and strengthened regional partnerships.
Lawmakers acknowledged recent steps by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, including recruiting 20,000 police officers, redeploying VIP escorts to regular policing, supporting state security outfits and repurposing NYSC camps for temporary training. They commended his decision to prioritise domestic security over attending the G20 Summit and his engagement with the U.S. government on counter-terrorism.
The House urged that all security funding be placed on First Line Charge and released promptly. To combat terrorism financing, it recommended expanding the cashless economy, improving secure digital payments in rural areas and deploying advanced monitoring tools.
On operational reforms, lawmakers called for reviewing the military’s “super-camp” strategy in favour of forward operating bases, expanding Army, Police and Civil Defence formations, and improving protection for schools, markets and worship centres through CCTV, perimeter controls and early-warning systems. They also proposed a Joint Intelligence Fusion Centre, a strengthened anti-kidnap fusion cell and emergency designation of border security supported by drones, biometric systems, AI analytics, satellite imaging and physical deterrents.
The House recommended a regulatory framework to counter fake news and malicious AI content without stifling free expression. It also proposed a national weapons-tracking system, immediate mass recruitment into security services, improved welfare and housing, and retaining skilled retirees as auxiliary personnel. A National Fallen Heroes Support Fund was also endorsed.
On justice and community safety, lawmakers called for naming and prosecuting terrorism financiers, establishing a Special Court for terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, and imposing stricter penalties for arms trafficking. They emphasized job creation, agricultural support and poverty-reduction measures as long-term solutions. Community policing, traditional institutions and religious bodies should be integrated into a formal national security model, they added.
They also called for ransom payments and informal amnesty deals by government entities should be prohibited. Stronger collaboration with ECOWAS, the AU and neighbouring countries on border and intelligence matters was urged, alongside parliamentary involvement in all future U.S.–Nigeria security engagements.
Additional recommendations include: a modern regulatory framework for NGOs, emergency relief and trauma support for affected communities, formalising and training local hunters, vigilantes and ranger units, establishing a Religious Protection Council under the NSA, nationwide weapons mop-up, and a technology-driven national early-warning system.
The House directed that the resolutions be transmitted to the Executive, security agencies, state governments and institutions for urgent implementation, and forwarded to the Senate for concurrence.
Lawmakers said the reforms are critical to restoring public confidence and strengthening national stability amid rising insecurity.
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