The Nigerian Senate has called for urgent and decisive measures to tackle the worsening insecurity across the country, warning that drastic steps—including the possible suspension of political activities—may be necessary ahead of future elections.
The position was made known during Wednesday’s plenary following a motion that highlighted renewed attacks and escalating security threats in several regions.
Leading the debate, Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) warned that the situation requires immediate national attention, stressing that insecurity affects all Nigerians regardless of location.
“Mr President, we cannot continue to think that because we are in Abuja, therefore this insecurity does not affect us,” he said.
Ningi urged lawmakers to consider bold actions, including halting political activities either nationwide or in the worst-hit states such as Borno, Plateau, Bauchi, Benue, Niger, Sokoto, Kebbi, and parts of Kano.
“One of the steps we must take seriously is to either suspend all political activities across the country or focus on frontline states. We need to halt activities in these areas until we are certain that the insecurity challenges are under control,” he added.
He also expressed frustration over what he described as repeated discussions without concrete results. “We cannot continue to gather here only to lament. Real action must be taken,” he stated.
The debate followed fresh concerns over the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks, particularly in the North-East, where lawmakers reported coordinated assaults on military formations and increasing threats to civilians.
In a related resolution, the Senate urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to rescue over 400 civilians reportedly abducted in Borno State since late March.
The motion, sponsored by Senator Tahir Monguno and supported by lawmakers including Ali Ndume and Kaka Lawan, warned that the renewed wave of attacks is reversing gains previously recorded by the military.
Monguno described the situation as a serious threat to national stability, while Ndume raised alarm over the fate of abducted victims, revealing that insurgents have issued threats if urgent action is not taken.
Senator Diket Plang also warned that continuous attacks on military personnel are instilling fear among citizens, noting that the killing of security officers sends a troubling signal about the country’s security strength.
Following deliberations, the Senate strongly condemned the attacks and observed a minute of silence in honour of fallen soldiers.
Lawmakers further directed the Chief of Defence Staff and other service chiefs to conduct a comprehensive review of affected military formations to identify gaps in equipment, intelligence, and operational strategies.
The Senate also urged the Armed Forces to uphold international humanitarian standards and thoroughly investigate reports of civilian casualties during operations.
Communities were encouraged to support security agencies with credible intelligence, as lawmakers commended troops under Operation Hadin Kai for their continued efforts on the frontlines.
The development comes amid outrage over a disturbing video showing abducted victims held by a Boko Haram faction identified as Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad, which reportedly threatened against any rescue attempt.
The victims were said to have been kidnapped during a March attack on a military base in Ngoshe, Gwoza, where several assets were destroyed, casualties recorded, and many civilians taken hostage.
