Senate Urges Tinubu to Review Security Strategies in North-West Amid Rising Insecurity
The Nigerian Senate has called on President Bola Tinubu to reassess and enhance the strategies employed by security agencies in the fight against terrorism, kidnapping, and other security challenges plaguing the North-west region. This appeal was made during Thursday’s plenary session, highlighting the urgency of the escalating insecurity in the area.
The motion, sponsored by Nasiru Daura (APC, Katsina North) and co-sponsored by 20 other senators from the North-west region, emphasized the critical need for additional security personnel in identified hotspots. The states in the North-western region include Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara.
During his presentation, Daura outlined the dire consequences of banditry attacks in the region, which have led to numerous deaths, kidnappings, displacement of communities, and significant disruptions to economic activities. He stressed that these attacks would persist unless the federal government reevaluates and strengthens its security strategies.
In support of the motion, Daura urged the Senate to recommend that President Tinubu review his administration’s security approach. He also called for increased collaboration between security agencies, state governments, local communities, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders to enhance intelligence gathering and security operations in affected areas.
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Several senators voiced their support for the motion. Aminu Tambuwal (PDP, Sokoto) called for the federal government to declare a state of emergency in the North-west to allow security agencies to tackle the terrorists decisively. Tambuwal, a former governor of Sokoto State, also stressed the need for proactive security measures.
Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue) expressed his concerns about the persistent insecurity. He noted that the Ninth Senate had organized a security summit under the leadership of Ahmed Lawan, which produced recommendations that have yet to be implemented effectively.
Mohammed Muntari (APC, Katsina South) highlighted the severity of the situation, warning that bandits have already taken over many communities in the North-west. Abdullahi Yahaya (APC, Kebbi North) echoed these concerns, lamenting that banditry has also affected North-central states.
Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) cited unconfirmed estimates that around 10,000 bandits are terrorizing the country, emphasizing the need for urgent action. Other senators, including Ireti Kingibe (LP, FCT), Abdulaziz Yar’Adua (APC, Katsina Central), and Sani Musa (APC, Niger East), also contributed to the discussion.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the plenary, praised President Tinubu’s efforts in addressing insecurity. The Senate voted overwhelmingly in favor of the motion, demonstrating strong bipartisan support for a renewed focus on enhancing security measures in the North-west region.
This decisive action by the Senate underscores the critical need for a comprehensive and collaborative approach to address the ongoing security challenges in Nigeria’s North-west, ensuring the protection of lives and properties and the restoration of peace and stability in the region.
