The Nigerian Senate has approved a two-day national security summit aimed at addressing the rising insecurity across the country, with lawmakers warning that bandits are taking over communities and servicemen are dying daily.
The resolution was adopted on Tuesday following a motion sponsored by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, who represents Ondo South Senatorial District.
He linked the escalating insecurity to global crises, including the Russia-Ukraine war and tensions between global powers.
According to him, the “recent events in our region have led to feelings of discomfort and insecurity, which have placed the past accomplishments of our security forces at risk, even though our military and its partners are striving to address these challenges.”
He noted that the situation has been exacerbated by broader global issues, stating, “They do not have solutions to the global economic conflict or the effects of new American tariffs and tensions with China.” As a result, he emphasised, “Insecurity across Nigeria has become pervasive, impacting both urban and rural areas, where banditry, ransom kidnappings, terrorism, and other violent crimes have become pressing issues.”
Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, warned that bandits are now in control of several states and parts of the Federal Capital Territory.
He lamented the activities of bandits in Zamfara, Benue, Plateau, Kwara, Kogi and Sokoto states, and even parts of the Federal Capital Territory.
He urged the government to improve the country’s security architecture.
Senator Titus Zam of Benue North West revealed that bandits are hoisting flags in some wards in the state. He called for urgent action to reclaim those areas.
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe from Abia South expressed reservations about the summit, saying it may not solve the problem.
Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, decried the daily abductions in his constituency of Otukpo, Benue South.
He backed the summit, saying, “what is before us now is whether we want to convene a national security summit or not, and if you ask me, I will say yes”.
He described security as everyone’s business, adding that proffering solutions equally requires inputs from everyone.
Responding to the motion, Senate President Godswill Akpabio reduced the proposed three-day summit to two days. He said the summit will bring together governors, traditional rulers, Service Chiefs, and security experts to find lasting solutions.
