Senate urges FG to intensify military operations against terrorists, bandits

From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja

The Senate has urged the Federal Government to sustain and intensify ongoing military and intelligence operations against terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements across the country.

It also commended President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces and other security agencies for the successful rescue of 39 abducted schoolchildren and seven teachers kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

This followed the adoption of a motion of commendation sponsored by Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, and co-sponsored by all senators during plenary yesterday.

The lawmakers called on the government to strengthen security operations by providing the armed forces with modern equipment, advanced surveillance technology, enhanced intelligence capabilities, improved logistics and better welfare packages.

They stressed that the measures should be sustained until Nigerians can live, work, conduct business and pursue education without fear.

The Senate also urged the government to ensure the prompt payment of statutory death benefits, insurance claims, pensions and other welfare entitlements to the families of security personnel who died in active service, as well as sustained investment in their welfare, training, equipment and operational capacity.

The chamber also commended President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces and other security agencies for the successful rescue of the abducted Oyo schoolchildren and teachers.

Leading the debate, Bamidele praised Tinubu’s leadership, saying the President acted swiftly after the abduction of the pupils and teachers on May 15, 2026, by directing the Armed Forces and security agencies to deploy every lawful resource to secure their unconditional rescue.

He recalled that after more than 50 days of coordinated intelligence-driven operations, security forces rescued the victims on July 10, arrested eight suspected terrorists and neutralised several others.

According to him, the operation restored hope among Nigerians, particularly parents and school communities, while demonstrating the growing professionalism and operational effectiveness of the country’s security agencies.

Bamidele paid tribute to three security personnel who lost their lives during the rescue mission. They were identified as Lt. F. A. Isaac of the Nigerian Army, Private Silas Musa of the 81 Battalion, Nigerian Army, and Sgt. Abena John Jerome of the Nigeria Police Force.

Also commended is Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain of the 81 Battalion, who sustained injuries during the operation. The Senate urged relevant authorities to provide him with the best medical care and all his welfare entitlements.

The lawmakers observed a minute’s silence in honour of the fallen personnel and extended condolences to their families, the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and the wider security community.

Contributing to the debate, Abdulfatai Buhari commended the Federal Government and the Armed Forces for securing the victims’ release.

“We appreciate the Federal Government for bringing our children back,” he said.

Similarly, Adamu Aliero also praised the military but urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue other children still in captivity in Borno and Yobe states.

Adams Oshiomhole criticised Governor Seyi Makinde over his call for a United Nations-led investigation into the abduction, saying such a move would undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and the efforts of its security institutions.

“This is a time for us to unite, commend the achievements recorded and encourage our security agencies to sustain their efforts until peace and security are restored across the country,” Oshiomhole said.

Similarly, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan called on the Federal Government to provide psychological support, trauma counselling and rehabilitation for the rescued pupils and teachers.

Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session, commended Tinubu’s commitment to tackling insecurity, assuring that the Senate would continue to support efforts to restore peace and security across the country.