By The House of Representatives has proposed the creation of a special tribunal to prosecute terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry cases in Nigeria, while also banning ransom payments to kidnappers.
The resolution was announced during a Committee of the Whole session on Wednesday, chaired by Deputy Speaker Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who also leads the Special Ad-Hoc Committee on Constitution Review. He emphasized that the tribunal is a critical step toward tackling insecurity across the country.
Lawmakers further recommended tracking and auditing all federal government armouries, a measure highlighted by Hon. Ahmad Satomi, Chairman of the House Committee on National Investigation Agency, as essential for intelligence gathering and aligning Nigeria’s security framework with global practices.
The House also proposed the National Fallen Heroes Trust Fund to provide reparations for families of deceased members of the Armed Forces.
During the session, a heated debate unfolded over the recent Presidential directive for the withdrawal of police security from VIPs. While Hon. Makki Yalleman, Chairman of the House Committee on Police Affairs, called for full compliance, Deputy Speaker Kalu and Majority
Leader Hon. Julius Ihonvbere advocated for exemptions for parliamentarians, judges, and state governors due to the sensitive nature of their positions.
Lawmakers are expected to resume discussions on other proposed constitutional amendments during Thursday’s plenary session.
