UN report: Reps ask FG to act on ’24 terrorist cells’ in Katsina

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The House of Representatives on Thursday urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to act on the recent United Nations Special report on the ongoing security challenges in certain areas of Katsina State which indicated the existence of 24 terrorist cells spanning approximately 30 forests in the North-West region of Nigeria.

The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Aliyu Abubakar.

In his lead debate, Hon. Abubakar observed that over the years, the North-Western States have been consistently associated with banditry, particularly Katsina State, where 23 out of the 34 Local Government Areas are directly attacked.

“The House is aware of the recent United Nations Special Report on the ongoing security challenges in certain areas of Katsina State which has disclosed the existence of 24 terrorist cells spanning approximately 30 forests in the North-West region of Nigeria.

“The report also provides details on the numerical strength and leadership of the cells.

“The House is also aware that the report identified the presence of encampments in Kankara, Safana, Jibia, and Batsari Local Government Areas of Katsina State, accommodating an estimated populace of no fewer than 1,920 terrorists.

“The House also notes that the bandits have destroyed lives and properties in Northern Nigeria, causing severe impacts on political and socio-economic development.

“The House is cognizant of the need to address this organized crime of banditry, to prevent humanitarian and human rights consequences, security deterioration, and violence spread in conflict-affected communities,” he lamented.

In the bid to address the menace, the lawmakers urged relevant Security Agencies to take advantage of the intelligence to combat banditry attacks in Katsina State and take stiffer measures to ensure the safety of lives and properties in affected communities.

The lawmakers also urged the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to intervene and assist the victims to alleviate the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the affected areas.

To this end, the House mandated its Committee on Emergency Disaster Preparedness to ensure compliance.