The Senate has called for the immediate establishment of a military base in Hong Local Government area of Adamawa State, following a resurgence of Boko Haram attacks in the area and other parts of the North East.
The resolution came during plenary on Wednesday in a matter of urgent national importance, after lawmakers debated a motion highlighting the rising insecurity in Hong and Gombi LGAs, where multiple coordinated attacks by Boko Haram insurgents have left dozens dead and thousands displaced.
While lawmakers commended the efforts of the Nigerian Army and other security operatives, the Senate underscored the need to reinforce existing personnel with a permanent military base in Hong to better secure the area and prevent further escalation of violence.
According to sponsor of the motion, Senator Iya Abbas, five major attacks have occurred in Hong LGA since February 2025.
However, opposition lawmaker Senator Seriake Dickson, raised an objection during the debate, cautioning the Senate against overstepping its constitutional boundaries by directing the establishment of a military base, because such directives fall under the exclusive purview of the President and the executive arm of government.
His position was promptly countered by Senator Wasiu Eshilokun, who argued that the National Assembly was well within its rights to make such recommendations. Citing Section 217(2)(c) of the Constitution, Eshilokun clarified that while the deployment of military forces is an executive function, it is subject to the legislative input of the National Assembly.
He asserted that the Senate had not breached any constitutional limits, stating that ‘to say the National Assembly has no power would be a misinterpretation, we have not crossed the line’.
