Senate in heated debate over Nigeria’s growing security crisis
The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday engaged in a tense and emotionally charged debate over the country’s deepening security crisis, following a motion by Senator Lola Ashiru of Kwara South calling for swift federal intervention to curb rising attacks in Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger states.
Ashiru’s motion referenced recent violent incidents, including the abduction of schoolchildren in Kebbi, and raised alarm over alleged troop withdrawals and compromised operations. The Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, acknowledged the gravity of the situation but maintained that the crisis is solvable with international support, urging collaboration with global partners.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele described the current wave of insecurity as the nation’s defining moment, warning that Nigeria could lose control if decisive action is not immediately taken. Although he welcomed the rescue of abducted victims, he expressed concern that no information has been provided on neutralised criminals during the operation.
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He also cautioned against lawmakers calling for a shutdown of the National Assembly, describing such moves as an abdication of responsibility. Bamidele criticized the Senate Committee on Security and Intelligence, insisting it must be restructured if lawmakers expect similar reforms from the executive arm.
Opposition senator Enyinnaya Abaribe questioned reports of military withdrawal before the Kebbi school attack, insisting the current administration take responsibility rather than blame its predecessor. He demanded clarity on who ordered the troops to pull out.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio raised concerns of possible internal sabotage, citing reports that the location of a brigadier general killed in Borno was compromised. He also questioned how bandits infiltrated a Kebbi school despite security training and warnings issued to students.
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The session became heated when Senator Seriake Dickson warned that Nigeria is losing credibility both locally and internationally, accusing the ruling majority of downplaying the crisis. APC senators responded angrily, prompting his microphone to be cut off.
Amid claims by some lawmakers that security operatives know the location of bandits, Akpabio condemned any attempt to frame the conflict along religious or ethnic lines, insisting the attacks target all Nigerians regardless of faith.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole defended President Bola Tinubu, urging a full investigation into the troop withdrawal in Kebbi. He insisted that whoever authorized the pullout must face trial for terrorism. The Senate adopted this recommendation among other resolutions.
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Oshiomhole also questioned disparities in the justice system, noting that a convicted terrorist received 20 years imprisonment while citizens who killed a bandit in self-defense were sentenced to death. A growing number of senators are now pushing for capital punishment for kidnappers.
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