From Kenneth Udeh, Adesuwa Tsan Abuja
The Nigerian Senate has resolved to hold a two-day National Security Summit in Abuja, involving federal, state, and local governments, traditional rulers, civil society, students’ unions, and security agencies, to address the escalating wave of killings, kidnappings, banditry, and terrorism across Nigeria.
The Senate also urged the federal government to review and update national security policies based on the summit’s recommendations and tasked all 109 senators to raise awareness of the outcomes in their districts.
The decision followed the adoption of a motion titled “Urgent Need for a National Security Summit,” sponsored by Senator Jimoh Folorunsho Ibrahim (Ondo South) and co-sponsored by Senators Titus Zam Tartenger (Benue North-West), Onyeka Peter Nwebonyi (Ebonyi North), and Osita Ngwu (Enugu West). Senator Jimoh highlighted pervasive insecurity, stating, “Banditry, ransom kidnappings, and terrorism are pressing issues, alongside other violent crimes.” He linked domestic challenges to global factors like the Russia-Ukraine war and U.S.-China tariff tensions, which exacerbate economic instability and food insecurity, undermining Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Jimoh called for Nigeria to clarify its global strategic stance and modernise military communication strategies, citing historical crises like the 1953 Kano riot and 1983 election violence as warnings ahead of the 2027 elections. He praised President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda but stressed the need for research-backed solutions.
Senators Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) and Titus Zam (Benue North-West) supported the motion, with Ningi warning, “Bandits are running Zamfara, Benue, Plateau, Kwara, Kogi, and Sokoto,” and noting insecurity in Kwali, Federal Capital Territory. Zam reported bandits hoisting flags in Benue wards. Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Abba Moro (Senate Minority Leader), and Dandutse Muntari (Katsina South) also backed the summit, urging comprehensive dialogue.
However, Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) and Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central) opposed the summit, citing past failures. Abaribe, a veteran senator, said, “I have been here for a long time, and each session there is a security summit. Unless we tell ourselves the truth, nothing fruitful will come out.” Aliero reported a new terrorist group in Kwara and Niger States, urging a briefing from security chiefs instead, stating, “I don’t believe a security summit is the answer.” Ningi echoed concerns about repetitive summits, warning against deceiving constituents.
Minority Leader Abba Moro countered, “There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. That past solutions failed does not stop us from exploring all means to halt this hydra-headed insecurity.” Senate President Godswill Akpabio, affirming a two-day summit instead of the proposed three, formed an Ad-hoc Committee to organise the event, emphasising, “Security is everybody’s business.”
The Senate observed a minute’s silence for victims of recent killings in Uromi (Edo) and Billiri (Gombe), urging security agencies to prevent future incidents, expedite prosecution of the truck driver responsible for the Easter killings in Edo, and calling on the Gombe State Government to compensate victims.