The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday commended President Bola Tinubu and the nation’s security agencies for their rapid and effective response in rescuing kidnapped schoolchildren and worshippers across Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger states.
The commendation comes amid growing concerns over the alarming frequency of attacks on schools, churches, and other vulnerable institutions across the country.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion titled “Urgent Need to Address Escalating Insecurity in Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger States – Call for Immediate and Comprehensive Federal Intervention”, sponsored by Senator Asiru Yisa of Kwara South.
The lawmaker expressed deep concern over recent violent incidents, emphasizing the urgent need for coordinated and decisive federal action to protect citizens.
Senator Yisa highlighted the harrowing attack on Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, where assailants killed two worshippers and abducted 38 church members.
All the abductees have since been released safely, thanks to timely security interventions.
The senator also raised questions about military personnel reportedly withdrawn from a school in Kebbi State hours before a bandit attack, calling for transparent investigations into the circumstances surrounding the security lapses.
Senate Urges Stronger Security Measures in Vulnerable Areas
During plenary, the Senate warned that internal collaborators continue to aid criminals with logistics and escape routes.
It noted that bandits exploit porous forest corridors, such as the Kwara–Kogi axis, Kebbi–Zamfara route, and Niger’s Shiroro–Rafi–Munya belt, to evade capture.
Vulnerable communities, including Eruku, Isapa, and Koro, have suffered immensely, with some incidents resulting in the deaths of retired military personnel and traditional leaders.
Lawmakers also condemned the poor state of key highways, particularly the Idofian–Omu-Aran–Eruku–Egbe–Kabba route, which has become an easy passage for criminals.
These factors, combined with inadequate policing, underscore the urgent need for systematic intelligence gathering and coordinated security operations.
The Senate lauded President Tinubu for his exemplary leadership during the recent spate of kidnappings, highlighting the president’s decision to cancel scheduled foreign trips to oversee rescue operations personally.
“We commend Tinubu and security agencies for rapid interventions and urge sustained operations until all abductees nationwide are freed,” the Senate declared.
Joint Task Force Call to Combat Escalating Insecurity
In a decisive move, the Senate directed the Nigerian Army, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and Defence Intelligence Bureau to intensify intelligence-driven operations across affected states.
Lawmakers also called for the establishment of a Joint Task Force (JTF) dedicated to the Kwara–Kogi corridor, with operational bases in Eruku, Babanla, Oke-Ero, and Isanlu.
The chamber recognized the courage, unity, and resilience of communities in these regions, along with the crucial role played by local vigilante groups.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant and resist aiding criminals in any capacity.
The Senate’s resolutions further mandated the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief to affected families and communities, particularly where schools have been forced to close due to insecurity.
Focus on Kebbi Schoolgirls Rescue
The Kebbi schoolgirls rescue has drawn nationwide attention, with 24 students abducted from a government secondary school in Maga reportedly released without ransom following coordinated security efforts.
The incident has reignited public calls for comprehensive strategies to prevent future kidnappings.
Experts have emphasized that while the immediate safety of victims is paramount, the broader national security challenge requires dismantling criminal networks and improving intelligence and surveillance capabilities.
The Senate’s commendation reflects this dual focus: celebrating the successful rescue while acknowledging the broader structural gaps that enable such crimes.
Rising Insecurity Threats Across States
In addition to Kebbi, recent attacks in Kwara and Niger states underline the scale of the insecurity challenge in Nigeria.
At the St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, over 300 students and teachers were abducted, sparking widespread outrage and highlighting systemic vulnerabilities.
Similarly, the church vigil attack in Eruku underscores the threats faced by religious institutions, further emphasizing the need for proactive protection measures.
The Senate’s motion also addressed the strategic importance of targeting internal collaborators who facilitate criminal activities, noting that coordinated efforts between security agencies and community leaders are essential to securing vulnerable areas.
International Support and Collaboration
Recognizing the transnational dimension of banditry and terrorism, the Senate resolved to engage the United States and allied parliaments for support in intelligence sharing, capacity building, and counter-terrorism initiatives.
Lawmakers stressed that international collaboration would bolster Nigeria’s capacity to preempt attacks and apprehend perpetrators efficiently.
Senate’s Final Recommendations
To consolidate efforts against rising insecurity, the Senate recommended the following:
Sustained intelligence-driven operations by the Army, Police, DSS, and Defence Intelligence Bureau.
Formation of a Joint Task Force in key corridors with high criminal activity.
Engagement of community leaders and vigilante groups for localized intelligence and rapid response.
Immediate provision of relief and psychosocial support to affected communities and victims.
Transparent investigations into military and police deployments in areas vulnerable to bandit attacks.
In concluding the debate, the Senate observed a two-minute silence for victims of recent attacks, underscoring the gravity of the national security crisis.
Lawmakers reiterated that while successful rescues such as the Kebbi schoolgirls release are commendable, they are not a substitute for sustained action to dismantle criminal networks and protect citizens comprehensively.
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