For the umpteenth time, the Senate Tuesday summoned the Service Chiefs and heads of other relevant security agencies to appear before it next week on way out of the rising wave of insecurity in the country.
It also planned to meet President Bola Ahmed Tinubu after interface with the Service Chiefs next week.
The Senate had, in the heat of uproar generated by the killing of close to 200 people in Plateau state on Christmas eve last year by unknown bandits, summoned the Service Chiefs to appear before it, but was not honoured before the issuance of another summon.
The fresh summon of the Service Chiefs by the Senate, was sequel to a motion on Spate of Insecurity in the country sponsored by 107 serving Senators.
Leader of the Senate Opeyemi Bamidele (APC Ekiti Central), who presented the motion on behalf of his other colleagues, lamented the rising spate of killings, kidnappings, banditry, and other criminal activities across the country.
The motion reads: “Senate notes the recent killings in Agata local government area of Benue State, which led to loss of lives, including security personnel and wanting destruction of properties as well as the brutal killings of eleven residents of Logo local government area of Benue State.
“Senate equally notes the various kidnappings in the Federal Capital Territory where victims have been killed after collecting ransom.
“Senate is also aware of several cases of kidnappings all over the country where huge ransom had been paid and several of the victims still got killed.
“Senate is also aware that the recent killings of two traditional rulers in Ekiti State and the abduction of primary school pupils in Ekiti had further aggravated the level of insecurity in the country.
“Senate notes the unfortunate bomb explosion at Bodija in Ibadan Oyo State where no less than five lives were lost and several residential houses, schools, hotels, and religious centres were destroyed.
“The Senate equally notes the killing of several residents of Mangu, Bokkos, and Barkin Ladi communities in Plateau State.
“Consequently, the Senate do invoke its earlier resolutions to invite the security chiefs for an interactive session, with a view to resolving the insecurity that is plaguing the country and that a minute silence should be observed in honour of the departed.”
…Akpabio comments
In his comment after the adoption of the prayer, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the lawmakers would fix a time to discuss with the president, the outcome of the interaction with the service chiefs.
“We have a responsibility to collaborate with the executive and contribute our ideas to ensure that our constituents and ourselves, including our children can sleep with their two eyes closed.
“Security is everybody’s business, and without security, we cannot have progress”, he said.
The Service Chiefs to appear before the Senate are the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, Chief of Army Staff, Lt – General Taoheed Lagbaja, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Hassan Abubakar, and Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogolla.
Abbas urges Tinubu on tough stance
In a related development, Speaker House of Representatives Hon. Tajudeen Abbas urged President Tinubu not to shy away from making tough decisions in the bid to addressing the insecurity facing Nigeria.
“In these trying times, President Bola Ahmad Tinubu, GCFR, has exhibited exemplary leadership and a proactive approach. His recent interventions and directives for more action by security agencies are timely and reflective of his deep-seated resolve to restore peace and order.
“Indeed, the time has come for the President to demand greater performance and accountability from our service chiefs and all security and enforcement agencies. I implore the President not to shy away from making the tough decisions. If necessary, we must not hesitate to enact changes within our security apparatus, for the cost of inaction is far too great to bear”, the Speaker stated this Tuesday as he welcomed his colleagues back from the 2023 yuletide break.
He lamented that the country had over time, been caught in the web of insecurity.
“For too long, our nation has been caught in the vicious grip of insecurity, a malaise that spreads its tentacles far and wide, sparing no one in its wake. Despite numerous security measures, this menace continues to thrive, mocking our efforts and challenging our resolve to build a cohesive, peaceful and prosperous nation. It is a stark reminder that the conventional approaches to security we have espoused for so long are no longer sufficient.
“The time has come to think out of the box and adopt new and contemporary strategies that better respond to the complexities of our current challenges. To our patriotic and brave security forces, while commending your heroism and sacrifice, the time has come for you to review your approaches and strategies innovate and adapt. The enemy evolves, and so must we. I challenge you to rise to this occasion, to demonstrate the indomitable spirit for which you are known, and to do more in safeguarding the lives and properties of our people,” said the speaker.
He added: “In light of these challenges, I propose convening a National Legislative Security Summit. This Summit will serve as a crucible for ideas, where stakeholders from diverse sectors – security, traditional and religious institutions, academia, civil society, and more – will forge enduring solutions to our security woes.
“It is time to harness our collective expertise, to break the silos that have hindered our progress, and to chart a new course towards peace and stability. This aligns with our constitutional mandate as parliament to enact laws that strengthen our security framework, allocate resources wisely, and provide the oversight necessary to ensure our strategies are well-intentioned, effective, and accountable.”
Following this, the House adjourned plenary to February 6, 2024.
The move was to allow affected members to participate in the forthcoming rerun elections as fixed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
…Troops rescue 20 victims in Zamfara
Meanwhile, the Joint Task Force North West Operation HADARIN DAJI Tuesday announced the rescue of 20 kidnap victims unhurt as troops also neutralised 2 terrorists in an operation carried out in Zamfara state.
A statement by the Information Officer Operation HADARIN DAJI, Capt. Yahaya Ibrahim in Gusau, said the neutralized bandits included a notorious terrorists’ leader identified as Sainaje from Katsina state.
Ibrahim said: “On the 29th January, 2024 the OPHD troops during its continuous clearance operation at terrorists’ enclaves at Rukudawa, Dumburum, Tsanu, Birnin Tsaba, Magare and Shamushalle general areas of Zurmi and Birnin Magaji LGA of Zamfara state.”
The statement said in the course of the operation, all the identified terrorists’ enclaves, including that of a notorious terrorist kingpin Sule, were destroyed, with the criminals fleeing their camps during a heavy contact with the aggressive troops.
“The troops neutralised 2 terrorists including a terrorist leader identified as Sainaje from Katsina state which led to the rescue of 18 kidnap victims comprising 4 males and 14 females as well as children,” it said.
…Two others rescued
Similarly, the statement also said the troops of Operation HADARIN rescued two victims abducted by the terrorists who were on transit along Shinkafi-Isa road in Zamfara state.
The victims, Ibrahim said, were abandoned by their captors during a gun duel with the highly motivated troops whose timely response led to the rescue.
He said all the rescued victims had been handed over to the appropriate authorities to reunite them with their respective families.
The statement said: “The Commander Joint Task Force North West Operation HADARIN DAJI/General Officer Commanding 8 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Godwin Mutkut has commended the efforts of the troops for their continued doggedness and resilience in an effort to restore normalcy in the North-west.”
