- Senators urge Tinubu to sign Forest Security Bill
- NAF dares bandits, other criminals to surrender
- Bauchi confirms death of 60 bandits
The Senate on Thursday constituted a 20-member committee to plan a national summit on security as part of the lawmakers’ efforts to address Nigeria’s persistent security challenges.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced the committee during the plenary after a majority of the senators supported it through voice votes.
Akpabio said the committee will be chaired by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, who represents Ekiti Central Senatorial District. Yahaya Abdullahi, representing Kebbi North Senatorial District, will serve as vice chairman.
Other members of the committee are Ireti Kingibe (FCT), Adebule Idiat (Lagos), Barinada Mpigi (Rivers), Babangida Hussaini (Jigawa), Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo), Osita Ngwu (Enugu), Tahir Monguno (Borno), Titus Zam (Benue), Ahmad Lawan (Yobe), Abdulaziz Yar’adua (Katsina), Gbenga Daniel (Ogun), Austin Akobundu (Abia), Shehu Buba (Bauchi), Ahmed Madori (Jigawa), Emmanuel Udende (Benue), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), Shuaib Salisu (Ogun), Isah Jibrin (Kogi), and the Clerk of the Senate, Andrew Nwoba.
The committee’s primary objective is to design the framework for the proposed national summit, including setting the agenda, identifying key discussion points, and proposing actionable strategies to effectively tackle Nigeria’s security lapses.
The senate president directed the committee to submit its report within two weeks.
On May 6, the Senate, during its plenary, made a resolution to organise a two-day national summit on security with a view to proffering solutions to terrorism, insurgency and other security challenges in the country.
The upper chamber made the decision after adopting a motion sponsored by Ibrahim, the senator representing Ondo South Senatorial District.
One of the critical issues the summit intends to address is the alleged leakage of sensitive military information to militant groups, an issue widely believed to be undermining security operations across the country.
However, this is not the first time a national security summit has been considered by the National Assembly. The 9th National Assembly, under former Senate President Ahmad Lawan and former Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, held a summit in May 2021 to discuss Nigeria’s security challenges.
Despite the participation of security experts, civil society organisations, and government representatives, the security challenges have remained.
The current 10th Senate has also summoned service chiefs and heads of security agencies multiple times since its inauguration in 2023, and there have been several debates on security in the two chambers of the national assembly. Yet, insecurity remains a national concern.
Kidnappings, insurgency and banditry have persisted, with many citizens expressing frustration over the lack of visible progress.
Senate urges Tinubu to sign Forest Security Bill
Alarmed by the rising cases of insecurity and kidnapping across the country, the Senate has also urged President Bola Tinubu to urgently sign the Nigerian Forest Security Service (Establishment) Bill, 2025, into law.
The bill, which was recently passed by the National Assembly, is currently awaiting presidential assent.
Lawmakers believe it would significantly enhance efforts to tackle insecurity, especially in rural and forested areas prone to criminal activities.
Additionally, the Senate called on the Federal Government to direct all security agencies to deploy their resources for the immediate rescue of His Royal Highness, Oba James Dada Ogunyanda, the Obalohun of Okoloke, who was abducted from his palace in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State by armed assailants.
The Senate also advocated for a security intervention in vulnerable regions, noting that the Forest Security Bill could be amended to accommodate President Tinubu’s proposed Forest Guard initiative aimed at combating insecurity in forest zones.
The resolutions followed the submission of two motions sponsored by Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), and Senator Sunday Karimi (APC, Kogi West).
Both lawmakers condemned the kidnapping of the Kogi monarch and the violent attacks on communities in Benue State by suspected herdsmen.
During the session, Senator Moro recounted the coordinated attacks by suspected armed groups on Akpete and Ojantele communities in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State, which took place on May 1 and May 7, resulting in the tragic loss of over a dozen residents.
The Senate emphasized that swift presidential assent to the Forest Security Bill would provide a legal framework to bolster security efforts and protect communities vulnerable to banditry and kidnappings.
Nigerian Air Force asks bandits, other criminals to surrender
The Nigerian Air Force has also promised to continue working assiduously to restore peace and stability and enhance the safety and security of Nigerians.
It, however, advised bandits and other criminal elements to surrender their arms and embrace peace or else reach their early graves.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Hassan Abubakar, disclosed this in Katsina State in a visit to assess the operational readiness of the 213 Forward Operating Base and to check human, material, and other resources in the unit.
“From my assessment, bandits and other criminals are in for a very hard time. My advice to them is that they should surrender their arms and embrace peace; otherwise, in no time, they will be gone.”
During the visit, Abubakar also commissioned three new projects, executed in line with the spirit of the 61st anniversary celebration of the Nigerian Air Force.
He pledged to continue prioritizing officers’ needs and provide them with the support and resources they require to perform their duties effectively, thanking the Katsina community for their hospitality and cooperation.
The NAF chief charged officers and men to continue to be law-abiding citizens and good ambassadors of the Nigerian Air Force by maintaining good relations with the host community and other security agencies in the state.
“We have made remarkable progress in enhancing the welfare and effectiveness of the personnel.
“In order to enhance the ongoing operations in the North West, operation Hadarin Daji was transformed to operation Fansan Yamma which consequently led to deployment of more platforms.
“The Nigerian Air Force deemed it fit to construct more structures to adequately accommodate our personnel operating from Katsina in line with our Infrastructural Development Initiatives.
“Additionally, the 213 forward operating Base for a very long time lacked a worship Centre for Christian personnel to carry out their religious activities; hence, the buildings being commissioned today are more than just structures, they represent our commitment to the well-being of our personnel
“Recognizing that the personnel are the backbone of the Nigerian Air Force and that their welfare is essential to our success,” he added.
Bauchi confirms death of 60 bandits
Meanwhile, Bauchi State Governor , Bala Mohammed has confirmed that over 60 bandits were killed during the recent attack on Mansur Village in Alkaleri Local Government Area.
The incident, which occurred two weeks ago, also claimed the lives of vigilantes and civilians.
During a condolence visit to the affected village on Thursday, Governor Mohammed revealed that 21 people from the community lost their lives in the bandits’ attack, including 13 vigilante members and 10 civilians.
He described the incident as a serious security challenge but noted that the attackers also suffered heavy losses due to the bravery of the combined security forces.
“As they inflicted serious losses on us, over 60 of them died too in the fierce battle. So the loss is not only that our people have been killed. Our security forces also decimated over 60 of them. This shows the chivalry and courage of our people. Despite their superior firepower, we were able to contain them through these young and able-bodied vigilantes and security agencies,” he stated.
The governor extended his condolences on behalf of the state and federal governments and said he is working closely with the Office of the National Security Adviser to prevent future attacks.
“We are here on behalf of the government to commiserate with this community, especially the communities of Alkaleri, Gwana, Duguri, Yelwan Duguri, and parts of Bauchi Local Government.
“I want to convey to you the commiseration of the Federal Government, especially the Office of the National Security Adviser. We are going to get a lot of assistance to enable you to work with strength and encouragement,” Mohammed said.
He announced financial support for the victims’ families: ₦5 million for each of the families of the deceased vigilantes, and ₦3 million for the families of the civilians. Additionally, ₦20 million will be provided to support logistics for vigilante operations in the area.
Mohammed also revealed plans to recruit over 2,100 vigilantes across the state before the end of the year, starting with 300 to 500 personnel from the most affected communities.
He stressed that the recruits will be placed under a structured minimum wage scheme and trained by security agencies to ensure discipline and avoid extrajudicial actions.
He called on traditional leaders to help identify informants who may be undermining security efforts in their communities.
Meanwhile, the governor has assured residents that the government is taking decisive action.
“These people have come to the wrong place. We are ready to sacrifice our lives for our people to live. Definitely, we will do everything. If it comes to a point where I have to throw away this ‘Babanriga’ and join you, I will join you, In Sha Allah,” he stated.