By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Aminu Jaji, member of the House of Representatives for Kaura Namoda/Birnin Magaji federal constituency in Zamfara State, has recounted a harrowing incident in which bandits reportedly fed twin newborn babies to dogs.
While briefing journalists on Wednesday on the worsening security situation in his state, Jaji narrated that the mother of the twins had been abducted by bandits while pregnant. But after giving birth in captivity, the bandits leader threw the newborns to his dogs, which ate them.
“That is where we are now. That is the level of inhumanity we are facing,” Jaji cried.
He lamented the continued reign of terror by armed groups in the North-West region, particularly in Zamfara, stating that over 200 people remain in captivity. The abductors are reportedly demanding ransoms exceeding N30 million for their release.
Describing the security situation in the state as “appalling,” the lawmaker said bandits now operate with near-total impunity.
“People can no longer go to their farms, which have been their major means of livelihood,” he said, adding that entire communities in his constituency are now under the control of armed groups.
“These criminals kill at will and have effectively assumed the role of local authorities,” Jaji noted.
He also expressed concerns that President Ahmed Tinubu may not be receiving accurate intelligence regarding the deteriorating security landscape in the region. According to him, there is an urgent need for a total overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture.
“We don’t need foreign mercenaries to prosecute this war against terror. Our gallant soldiers have the capacity to secure the country. What we need is to step up our approach — to become more digital in our operations”, he noted, while recalling the Goodluck Jonathan administration’s controversial attempt to engage mercenaries during the peak of the Boko Haram insurgency.
Jaji, emphasised the need for investment in local security forces. “We must ensure that the resources given to our security agents are adequate and properly monitored. Their welfare must also be prioritised, as it plays a significant role in morale and performance.”
He rejected calls for a declaration of emergency rule in Zamfara State, arguing that such a measure would be ineffective when over twenty states across the country are grappling with similar security challenges.
Instead, Jaji called for increased collaboration among stakeholders — including community leaders, security agencies, and government authorities — to tackle the crisis. “Both the federal and state governments must redouble their efforts, not just in Zamfara, but across the entire northern region.”