Senate Takes Hard Stance Against Kidnapping Epidemic
The Nigerian Senate has made a radical move to address the worsening security crisis across several states, approving death penalty for convicted kidnappers and calling for an urgent review of the country's firearms legislation. This decisive action came during a heated plenary session focused on the escalating insecurity affecting Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger States.
Motion Sparks Critical Security Debate
The resolution followed an emergency motion titled "Urgent Need to Address Escalating Insecurity in Kwara, Kebbi and Niger States – Call for Immediate and Comprehensive Federal Intervention" presented by Senator Lola Ashiru, who represents Kwara South. The motion was triggered by recent violent attacks, including the November 18 raid on Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, where two worshippers were killed and 38 others abducted.
Lawmakers expressed grave concern that mass abductions and coordinated raids have forced the closure of schools across five local government areas in Kwara, Niger, and Kebbi States, as well as all 47 Federal Unity Schools nationwide. Deputy Senate Leader Lola Ashiru emphasized the urgency, stating: "We must act decisively to protect children, worshippers, and rural communities from further trauma."
Security Lapses and Internal Collaboration Exposed
Senators revealed alarming security failures, including reports that military personnel were withdrawn from Government Girls Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, shortly before kidnappers struck. The Senate has mandated an immediate investigation into this suspicious withdrawal.
Lawmakers also highlighted the sophisticated operations of criminal networks exploiting porous forest corridors along the Kwara-Kogi, Kebbi-Zamfara, and Niger's Shiroro-Rafi-Munya regions. These groups are allegedly aided by internal collaborators who provide intelligence, logistics, and escape routes.
Senator Sani Musa from Niger State raised serious questions about security operations, questioning why 58 abductors were rescued without a single shot being fired. He suggested ransom payments might have been made and criticized security agencies for failing to track terrorists despite their use of mobile phones and communication gadgets.
Senators Voice Frustration Over Security Failures
The debate revealed deep frustrations among lawmakers from affected regions. Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe accused the government of not being transparent about the true security situation, revealing that communities in Katsina, Zamfara, and other northern states have been paying taxes to terrorists and bandits for protection.
Senator Abdul Ningi described kidnapping as becoming "more lucrative than oil and politics," while Senator Titus Zam from Benue State lamented that bandits have taken over many communities after chasing farmers from their homes. "The military knows where the terrorists are. They know their locations," Zam declared, questioning the commitment to routing them out.
Comprehensive Security Recommendations
The Senate proposed multiple solutions to the security crisis:
- Amendment of the Firearms Act to allow responsible citizens to bear arms for self-defense, following practices in approximately 175 countries
- Establishment of a Joint Task Force (JTF) along the Kwara-Kogi corridor with forward operating bases in Eruku, Babanla, Oke-Ero, Isanlu, and Wasagu in Kebbi
- Enhanced intelligence-driven operations, aerial surveillance, and forest combing missions
- Implementation of community-based reporting systems
- Psychological support and relief materials for affected families through the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and NEMA
Senator Ali Ndume from Borno South provided comparative analysis, noting that Egypt, with a population of about 100 million, maintains a one-million-man army, 500,000 police personnel, and 800,000 reservists. In contrast, Nigeria's army has less than 200,000 personnel despite operations in 32 states, while the police force numbers approximately 400,000.
National Call to Action
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin emphasized that insecurity is a national concern requiring collective action: "No state can tackle this alone. We must harness technology, deploy drones, and enhance surveillance alongside our security agencies."
The Senate commended President Bola Tinubu for canceling foreign trips to personally coordinate security responses, actions credited with the recent release of abducted students. Lawmakers also dissolved standing committees on National Security, Intelligence, and Air Force for reconstitution to improve oversight and responsiveness.
In his concluding remarks, Deputy Senate President Jibrin stated: "This is a turning point. Insecurity is not the responsibility of the federal government alone. Every state, community, and citizen must act. Together, we can restore peace and safeguard lives and property across Nigeria."
The Senate observed a minute of silence for recent victims and urged a multi-pronged approach combining policy reform, technology, intelligence, and community engagement to end the rising wave of abductions and banditry.
