The Senate Thursday decried the rising spate of bandits attacks and killing of military personnel and innocent Nigerians by armed bandits in parts of the country.
It called on the Federal Government to charge the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police and other security agencies in the country to be alive to their responsibilities as well as develop innovative ways to combat the rising spate of insecurity in the country;
The red chamber also urged the Federal Government to collaborate and engage with foreign influences to develop modern ways of fighting insecurity with the use of technological and scientific means “to save and protect the lives of our patriotic officers and men in the security agencies with a view to minimising casualty level during operations.”
This is even as the Senate observed a minute silence in honour of the gallant and patriotic soldiers who lost their lives in the Niger State incident and other fallen heroes who put their lives on the line for the safety and well-being of this country.
The resolutions of the Senate followed its consideration and adoption of a motion titled: “Armed bandits attack on the Nigerian Military Base around Kwanan Dutse, Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State: Urgent need for the Federal Government to step up and upgrade its security apparatus to check the rising spate of incessant attacks by bandits and terrorists across the country.”
The motion was sponsored by Senator Abubakar Sani Bello (APC – Niger North) and co-sponsored by Senator Sani Musa (Niger East) and Senator Peter Jiya (Niger South).
Senator Musa while presenting the lead debate said the Senate: “Notes that in the early hours of Tuesday, 24th June, 2025, the news of the unfortunate bandit’s attack on a military base around Kwanan Dutse, Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State was reported across all media platforms in the country;
“Also notes with grief that in the said attack, where the military men were ambushed by the bandits, about 20 patriotic soldiers reportedly lost their lives and a score of them suffered some levels of injuries.
“Further notes that before the bandit attack in Niger State on that day, bandits also struck in Tofa village of Magami district in Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where about 15 residents were killed.
“Similarly, another incident of bandit attack, led by the gang of the notorious bandits’ leader, Bello Turji, engaged our security forces in gunfire on the same day, where about 100 lives were allegedly lost near Cida village in Shinkafi Local Government of Sokoto State.
“Concerned that the area where the attack took place in Niger State is partly controlled by bandits and has been ravaged by incessant attacks on civilians, military personnel and local miners.
“These bandits are also involved in kidnapping for ransom, cattle rustling and violence against women.
“Observes that from reported attacks by bandits from the various parts of the country, it is clear that these criminal elements are getting more and more emboldened by their heinous and nefarious activities, hence the need for adequate security measures to be put in place to nip in the bud, this rising spate of insecurity in the country.
“Also observes that the country can only win the war against banditry and terrorism by deploying scientific and modern security apparatus as well as collaborate with other jurisdictions, which have done so much in the areas fighting insurgency and insecurity; and
“Further observes that asymmetrical battles like the ones our military are fighting with the bandits and terrorists in the country, cannot be won by the normal conventional way of military operations, therefore, it is imperative that the Government bring together all the stakeholders in the security sector to brainstorm on how best to curb this ugly menace.”
Senators supported the motion and approved the prayers when they were put to voice vote by Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin who presided over the plenary.