The Senate erupted into a heated debate on Wednesday over Nigeria’s deepening security crisis, following a motion by Senator Lola Ashiru (Kwara South) calling for urgent federal intervention in the rising wave of attacks in Kwara, Kebbi and Niger states.
Ashiru’s motion cited recent incidents—including the abduction of school children in Kebbi—and concerns surrounding military withdrawals and compromised security operations.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin described the situation as grave but solvable, urging the government to seek international assistance. “We should seek support from overseas and collaborate with global partners to stem the crisis,” he said.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele warned that Nigeria risks losing control if decisive action is not taken. While acknowledging the rescue of abducted victims, he expressed concern that there was “no report on terrorists neutralized in the process.”
Bamidele also criticized calls made by some members of the House of Representatives for a shutdown of the National Assembly, describing the suggestion as an “abdication of responsibility.” He urged the Senate to reexamine its own structures, saying he was “not impressed” with the performance of the Senate Committee on Security and Intelligence.
Opposition Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe faulted attempts to blame past administrations, insisting that the current government must take responsibility for present failures. He questioned reports indicating that troops withdrew shortly before the Kebbi school attack. “If I were the Commander-in-Chief, I would demand answers,” he said.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio raised concerns over alleged internal sabotage, referencing reports that the location of a brigadier general killed in Borno had been compromised. He also questioned why bandits were still able to invade the Kebbi school despite prior defensive training and security advisories.
Tensions rose when Senator Seriake Dickson warned that Nigeria was “losing prestige and integrity,” accusing the majority caucus of managing, rather than confronting, the crisis. His remark triggered protests from APC lawmakers, leading to his microphone being switched off.
Akpabio cautioned against framing the crisis along religious or ethnic lines. “There is nothing like targeting Muslims or Christians. It is an attack on all. This country is under attack,” he said.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole defended President Bola Tinubu, arguing that the administration was doing its best under difficult conditions. He demanded a full investigation into the troop withdrawal ahead of the Kebbi attack. “Who ordered the military to withdraw? That person should be tried for terrorism,” he declared—a proposal the Senate later adopted.
Oshiomhole also criticized inconsistencies in the justice system, noting that a convicted terrorist received a 20-year sentence while individuals who killed a bandit in self-defense were reportedly sentenced to death.
Some lawmakers have now renewed calls for the death penalty to be imposed on kidnappers.
