Nigerian youths storm NASS, demand united front against terrorism

Hundreds of Nigerian youths on Tuesday converged on the National Assembly complex in Abuja, calling for a united front against growing insecurity and terrorism challenges facing the country.

The protesters urged Nigerians, irrespective of political, ethnic, or religious affiliations, to put aside their differences and support efforts aimed at tackling insecurity across the nation.

Carrying banners with inscriptions such as “Leaders from the ADC, PDP, APC Should Rise in One Accord Against Insecurity,” “Nigerians Unite Against Insecurity,” and the hashtag #NigeriansUniteAgainstTerror, the demonstrators said terrorism could only be defeated through collective action and national unity.

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Addressing journalists during the protest, one of the leaders, Comrade Austin Okai, condemned what he described as the politicisation of insecurity, warning that such an approach undermines efforts to address the challenge.

“We can no longer stand by and watch insecurity become a political tool. No country has ever defeated terrorism from a disunited front,” he said.

Okai called on former military leaders and retired security chiefs to contribute their expertise toward finding lasting solutions to the nation’s security challenges.

“We call on former military leaders, former service chiefs, former directors of the DSS, former Inspectors-General of Police and former Commandants-General of the NSCDC to collaborate in ensuring that we put Nigeria first,” he stated.

According to him, insecurity has continued to affect political activities, economic growth, and the daily lives of citizens across the country.

“No political party can hold a rally when the people it mobilises cannot safely return to their homes. What is most important is that we first have a country called Nigeria. After that, we can talk about who becomes president, governor or member of the National Assembly,” he added.

Okai also cited countries such as the United States, Israel, Pakistan, and Kenya, noting that despite facing security challenges, political actors in those countries do not exploit insecurity as a campaign tool.

Also speaking, Comrade Isah Abubakar described insecurity as a national problem affecting all Nigerians regardless of political affiliation.

“It is now clear that we have a very serious challenge. There are roads in Nigeria that, once it is 5 pm, people can no longer travel through them because of security concerns,” he said.

Abubakar stressed that victims of insecurity cut across all political parties and social groups.

“Those affected are not only members of the APC, ADC, PDP, NDC or PRP; they are Nigerians. It has therefore become imperative for us to set aside our political and religious differences and collectively fight this monster called terrorism and insecurity,” he said.

The protesters urged political leaders, security agencies, and citizens to work together to restore peace and safeguard lives and property across the country.