Senate Plans Security Summit As Killings, Abductions Escalate

The Senate is planning a security summit that would proffer lasting solutions to the growing insecurity in the country, typified by unprovoked killings and abductions for ransom.

A resolution to that effect was adopted following a motion on the escalating security threats in many parts of the country.

While Northeastern Nigeria has remained the epicentre of the Boko Haram terrorists, the Northwest has become a haven for armed bandits and marauders.

Senators who contributed to the debate lamented the deteriorating security situation in the country and how the capacity of the security agencies is being overstretched.

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, who sponsored the motion, attributed the growing insecurity in Nigeria partly to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

According to him, the insecurity has become daunting due to the new order in some of the advanced countries.

He cited the biting effects of the tariff war in America and other industrial economies, raising tensions over the balance of power among various countries.

“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.

“They do not have solutions to the global economic conflict or the effects of new American tariffs and tensions with China.

“As a result, insecurity across Nigeria has become pervasive, impacting both urban and rural areas, where banditry, kidnappings and terrorism are pressing issues across the country, as well as other violent crimes,” Ibrahim said.

Bauchi central senator Abdul Ningi lamented how security operatives are being lost to bandit attacks across the country.

Senator Ningi warned of the dire consequences of failing to address the challenges.

According to him, bandits have taken over many communities in Zamfara, Benue, Plateau, Kwara, Kogi and Sokoto states.

Ningi also drew attention to the presence of bandits in many of the forests surrounding the satellite towns in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Senator Ennyinaya Abaribe, in his contribution, said there is hardly any member of the National Assembly who did not know the nature of security challenges in their constituencies.

Abaribe said nothing would come out of the planned security summit without genuine commitment by all concerned.

On his part, Minority Leader Abba Moro decried the incessant killings and kidnappings in his native Benue State. He expressed the hope that the envisaged security summit would allow experts to suggest solutions.

“Mr President, I want to say that 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. Security is everyone’s business, and in proffering solutions, all must be carried along,” he said.

Similarly, Benue North West senator Titus Zam told the Senate that bandits had taken over many communities in his senatorial district.

Zam added that the invading bandits have been hosting strange flags in many communities in Benue State, saying that drastic action must be taken to recover the affected areas.

After listening to the contributions, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, agreed to the idea of holding the summit.

Akpabio expressed optimism that the planned summit would proffer solutions to the nation’s security challenges.

According to him, governors, traditional rulers, service chiefs, security experts and other key stakeholders are expected to participate in the summit.

The Senate, however, has not fixed a definite date for the planned summit.

Senate Plans Security Summit As Killings, Abductions Escalate is first published on The Whistler Newspaper