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Declare Bandits As Terrorists – House Of Reps Tells Buhari

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Following the Senate directive to President Muhammadu Buhari, the House of Representatives on Thursady has also demanded the proscription of bandits.

Naija News reports that the Upper chamber on Wednesday passed a resolution urging the President to declare bandits as terrorists.

At the plenary, the chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson moved a motion of urgent public importance on the matter.

Moving the motion, Benson said the declaration of bandits as terrorists can be done through a proscription order, adding that it will serve as an added impetus for the brave security personnel to redouble their efforts at dealing with this menace.

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He added that such declaration when given the force of law will renew the vigour and resolve of our gallant security personnel in dealing with the menace of banditry as the mode of operations and rules of engagement will be scaled up accordingly.”

Benson said declaring the bandits as terrorists will officially bring the activities of bandits and their sponsors within the purview of the Terrorism Prevention Act, while any persons associated with such groups can then be legally prosecuted and sentenced to penalties specified in the Act.

He said, “Declaration of all bandits as terrorists may also encourage other countries to do same and help create a global consensus around dealing with transnational factors that feeds the domestic activities of such proscribed organisations and individuals.

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“As previously observed in this House, no one action can be a silver bullet to solving our insecurity in Nigeria. But a collection of many effective actions and strategies can bring safety. It is in this spirit that I speak today.

“Insecurity in Nigeria requires an all-of-government approach. Hence, I also urge the President to implement the recommendations of the National Security Summit, which took place in June this year and was officially delivered to Mr President in July. All hands have to be on deck to be able to win this battle against insecurity in all its manifestations.”

The Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, asked if there was any opposition to the motion, the lawmakers chorused, “No!”

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The motion was then adopted through a voice vote by the whole House.