Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called on Nigerians to demonstrate patriotism and maintain perspective regarding the country's ongoing security challenges, emphasizing that no nation is completely free from internal security issues.
Security Challenges in Global Context
Speaking during plenary session on Tuesday, November 19, 2025, Akpabio addressed the recent tragic events that have shaken the nation. Brigadier-General Uba Musa was killed in Borno State while 25 schoolgirls were abducted from Government Girls Comprehensive School in Maga, Kebbi State - both incidents occurring within a devastating 24-hour period.
The Senate President drew comparisons to international situations, stating: "There is no society without crime. Even the almighty America records crime on a daily basis. But we must continue to do our best to minimise it."
Recent Security Incidents Detailed
The security situation in northern Nigeria continues to deteriorate with these latest attacks. In Kebbi State, unknown gunmen invaded the boarding school between 4 am and 5 am on Monday, November 17, firing shots into the air before abducting the female students.
Despite police personnel stationed at the school engaging the attackers, the gunmen successfully entered the compound and escaped with the 25 girls from Danko Wasagu Local Government Area.
Meanwhile, in Borno State, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has claimed responsibility for both capturing and killing Brigade Commander M Uba. The terror group released photographs as evidence of their claim, contradicting earlier Nigerian Army statements that had declared the general safe following an ambush along the Damboa-Biu axis.
Government Response and Security Strain
Akpabio expressed deep sympathy for the affected families and acknowledged the tremendous pressure on Nigeria's security apparatus. He highlighted the practical challenges facing security operations, noting that deploying even one police officer to each polling unit during elections has become difficult.
The Senate President warned against despair while recognizing the complexity of securing a nation of Nigeria's size and diversity. Security operatives often find themselves in situations beyond their intended scope as they struggle to address multiple crises simultaneously.
Lawmakers are currently working to harmonize resolutions addressing the country's security challenges, with Akpabio emphasizing the need for continued effort and national unity in confronting these threats.
The statement has drawn reactions from various political figures, including Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, who condemned the killing of the brigade commander and called for strengthened security measures nationwide.
