The Niger State House of Assembly has pledged to take decisive action against thuggery and youth restiveness in the state, particularly in Minna, the state capital.
The Speaker, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, made this announcement while addressing journalists after a closed-door meeting with security agencies. He revealed plans by the House to revisit existing laws in order to bring the situation under control.
Attendees at the meeting included the Commissioner of Police, the Commandant of the Nigerian Civil Defence, and heads of other security agencies in the state.
Sarkindaji expressed regret that, despite government's efforts to address insecurity, thuggery has become a new challenge.
“The activities of these youths involved in thuggery and tormenting innocent citizens in Minna metropolis have crossed the red line, and the time to take decisive action to end this menace is now,” the Speaker emphasised.
He further warned that any politician or individual found sponsoring thuggery would be exposed and dealt with according to the law.
In this context, the Speaker explained that the Assembly would not hesitate to propose a law to make thuggery a capital offence in the state, citing the significant loss of lives to such activities.
“No investor will want to invest in an unsecured environment, and that is why we will not allow the current situation to derail the ‘New Niger Agenda' of the present administration,” he maintained.
Sarkindaji also assured that the House would provide necessary support to the state police command and liaise with the executive arm of government to provide logistics for security agencies.
