Senate Opens Intense Debate As Nigeria’s Security Crisis Deepens

The Senate on Wednesday held a tense session over Nigeria’s worsening security situation, following a motion by Senator Lola Ashiru calling for urgent federal action in Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger states. Lawmakers linked the debate to recent attacks, including the abduction of schoolchildren in Kebbi and reports of military withdrawals before the incidents.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin said the security situation remains solvable but will require support from international partners. He urged collaboration with foreign governments to help contain the crisis.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele described the rising insecurity as a major turning point, warning that the country could face deeper instability without firm action. He expressed concern that while abducted victims were rescued, there was no information on the terrorists confronted during the operation.

His comments followed Tuesday’s debate in the House of Representatives where some lawmakers suggested shutting down the National Assembly over the security breakdown. Bamidele dismissed the idea, describing it as an attempt to evade responsibility, and challenged the Senate to review its own security committee.

Opposition Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe faulted attempts to blame past governments for the current situation. He said the administration must take responsibility for ongoing challenges and demanded clarity on reports that troops withdrew shortly before the Kebbi school attack.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio raised concern over claims that the location of a brigadier general killed in Borno was compromised, suggesting possible internal sabotage. He also questioned how bandits accessed the Kebbi school despite earlier security advisories.

A heated moment occurred when Senator Seriake Dickson said the country was losing credibility because the majority caucus was managing the crisis rather than confronting it. APC lawmakers protested, and his microphone was cut off.

100,000 Soldiers Needed: Senate Reacts to Kebbi Girls’ Kidnapping

Lawmakers also debated claims that security agencies know the hideouts of bandits. Akpabio rejected attempts to interpret the crisis through religious or ethnic lenses, saying attackers target all communities.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole defended President Bola Tinubu, saying the government is operating under difficult conditions. He called for a probe into the reported troop withdrawal before the Kebbi attack and said anyone responsible should face terrorism charges. The Senate adopted this recommendation.

Oshiomhole also raised concerns about inconsistencies in the justice system, citing a case where a convicted terrorist received a 20-year sentence while people who killed a bandit in self-defense were sentenced to death.

Some senators pushed for the death penalty to be imposed on kidnappers as part of broader reforms.