Despite the extensive legislative efforts made by the National Assembly over the course of 16 years, the issue of insecurity in Nigeria continues to persist without significant improvement. With over 261 resolutions passed, 25 legislative bills prepared and passed, and a staggering N12 trillion allocated towards addressing insurgency, the country remains plagued by kidnapping, armed banditry, and various other forms of criminal activity. The frustration among citizens is palpable, as evidenced by the recent call to allow citizens to bear arms in self-defense against banditry and criminality.
The problem of insecurity originally began in the Niger Delta region in 2006 and subsequently worsened in the North from 2009, manifesting as insurgency, armed banditry, and the unknown gunmen phenomenon. Despite the deployment of numerous legislative instruments by the National Assembly, little progress has been made thus far. It is evident that a more comprehensive and effective approach is needed to combat the escalating security challenges facing the nation.
