The Senate has called on President Bola Tinubu to review the methods used by Nigerian security agencies in order to address the rising cases of banditry, terrorism, and general insecurity in certain parts of the country, particularly the northwest and north-central regions.
They have also urged the President to evaluate the strategies being employed and consider deploying additional security personnel or a special task force to the identified troubled areas. The Senate has advised relevant security agencies to work collaboratively with state governments, local communities, traditional leaders, and stakeholders to gather intelligence and improve security operations in these affected regions.
Furthermore, the Senate has recommended that the President establish a task force to assess the effectiveness and consequences of negotiating with bandits. This task force would thoroughly analyze the short-term benefits versus the long-term implications of such actions.
These resolutions were made following a motion sponsored by Senator Sani Zangon Daura and supported by thirteen other senators. Senator Daura highlighted the escalating banditry attacks in Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, and Kebbi states, resulting in loss of lives, kidnappings, displacement of communities, and disruption of socio-economic activities.
Daura also noted that state governments in the affected regions had allocated significant funds to support security agencies in combating banditry and restoring peace. He emphasized the collaborative efforts between state governments, security agencies, and relevant stakeholders in developing sustainable solutions to address the challenges posed by banditry in the northwest.
The Senate recognizes the commitment of the governors in these affected states to support initiatives promoting peace, security, and development in the region.
Concerns were raised about the impact of the constant bandit attacks on food production, agricultural activities, and overall food security in the affected states, particularly during the rainy season.
Senator Waziri Tambuwal called on the federal government to declare a state of emergency in the concerned states to enable security agencies to effectively combat the terrorists.
The coordination of security agencies in addressing the terrorist activities across the country, specifically in the northwest and north-central regions, was also stressed.
Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, expressed disappointment that the recommendations made during the security summit held by the Ninth Senate had not been implemented to address the insecurity issue.
Senator Abdul Ningi highlighted the complexity of the insecurity problem and the need for better coordination among security operatives to effectively combat the terrorists who are causing havoc in the country.
