The Nigerian Senate has taken decisive action to address the escalating security challenges in the country. During a plenary session on Thursday, the Senate summoned various security agencies and instructed them to carry out special operations to combat the menace of banditry in the North-West and other regions experiencing similar security issues.
The Senate also resolved to invite the Service Chiefs for a closed-door session to discuss the steps being taken to address the rising insecurity in Nigeria. These resolutions came as a result of the consideration and adoption of a motion titled “Kidnapping of university students in Federal University Dutsinma, Katsina State on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, and rising cases of kidnapping for ransom in the North-West geopolitical zone.”
The motion was sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Katsina State. In his lead debate, Senator Yar’Adua expressed deep concern over the recent kidnapping of five female students from the Federal University Dutsinma in Katsina State. He also highlighted other instances of kidnappings, including the abduction of 24 students from the Federal University of Gusau.
Senator Yar’Adua emphasized the panic and fear that these incidents have caused within university and academic communities. He also mentioned the abduction of eight National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Zamfara State and the alarming frequency of kidnappings for ransom in the North-West geopolitical zone.
The Senate urged security agencies to take proactive measures to secure the release of all kidnapped victims across the country, including students, NYSC members, and others. It called on the federal government to address the manpower needs of the police and other security agencies to enhance their ability to tackle security challenges effectively.
Additionally, the Senate emphasized the urgent need for the government to address unemployment and poverty, which are seen as root causes of insecurity in the country. It also directed the Nigeria Police to ensure the protection of schools and create a safe learning environment, free from the fear of attacks or kidnappings.
The Senate’s Committee on Legislative Compliance has been tasked with ensuring that relevant security agencies adhere to these resolutions, as the Nigerian government seeks to address and combat the escalating security issues affecting the nation.