Category: Security

In a swift response to criminal activity, the Osun State Security Network Agency, known as the Amotekun Corps, successfully foiled an attempted armed robbery on a trailer transporting iron rods valued at approximately ₦50 million. The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday along the Gbongan/Osogbo Road at Gbongan overhead bridge in Ayedaade Local Government Area.

The trailer, which was carrying forty tons of iron rods from Shagamu to Osogbo, was reportedly trailed by an unidentified Toyota corolla vehicle from Ikire. At around 1:00 a.m., armed men attempted to intercept the truck.

Upon reaching the Gbongan overhead bridge, he was intercepted by four armed men who approached the moving truck, posing as task force officers and demanding a waybill from the driver. The driver, noticing their suspicious behavior, quickly realized that something was amiss.

The driver recounted the words of one of the armed men, saying, ‘Let us do what we want to do quickly before people start coming out.’ He was assaulted while holding the trailer’s steering wheel, as he refused to surrender the vehicle.

During the struggle, his apprentice’s phone was forcibly taken, and several others attempted to wrest control of the wheel from him and collect his phone, the driver managed to push the armed men, causing them and the apprentice to fall into the nearby bush. Seizing the moment, he began shouting to draw the attention of people nearby and then fled into the bush. While hiding, he called his boss, who promptly informed the Corps Commander of the Osun Amotekun Corps, Chief Dr. Hon. Adekunle Isaac Omoyele.

The Commander immediately alerted the Amotekun Command in Ayedaade Local Government, which responded swiftly, foiling the attack, rescuing the driver and his apprentice, and securing the 40 tons of iron rods valued at ₦50 Million.

Expressing his gratitude, Mr. Jimoh commended the Amotekun Corps for their bravery and prompt action, which saved both his life and the valuable cargo from falling into the hands of the assailants.

He earnestly appealed to the State Government to further strengthen and empower the Osun Amotekun Corps, enabling them to carry out their duties with maximum efficiency and effectiveness.

The Amotekun Corps remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, while upholding a zero-tolerance stance on crime throughout the state.

Signed:
Yusuf Idowu Abass
Public Relations Officer
Osun Amotekun Corps

Bwala Mocks Ndume, Says Natasha Outshines Him Despite Short Senate Term..

Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Policy Communication, has taken a swipe at Borno South Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, comparing his 22-year legislative track record unfavorably to that of Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Bwala claimed that Natasha’s achievements in less than two years in the Senate have already surpassed Ndume’s accomplishments over two decades in the National Assembly.

Bwala accused Ndume of never successfully sponsoring a bill, refuting the Senator’s long-standing claim of having sponsored the bill that established the North-East Development Commission (NEDC). He insisted that the credit for the NEDC bill actually belongs to former Senator Murtala Nyako.Highlighting Ndume’s role as a former Majority Leader and chairman of key defence-related committees, Bwala criticized his inaction on the plight of displaced constituents from Southern Borno.“This is a man who has spent 22 years in the legislature—four in the House of Representatives and about 16 in the Senate—yet over 120,000 of his people remain internally displaced in Cameroon,” Bwala said. “Despite huge allocations for constituency projects in Southern Borno, there’s nothing tangible to show for it.”

He further claimed that 90% of Ndume’s bills never made it past the second reading and were routinely dismissed without debate.When the interview host, Seun Okinbaloye, pointed out evidence of Ndume visiting his constituency and interacting with constituents, Bwala replied dismissively: “Is visiting people now considered a project? Funds were allocated for real development. Even the boreholes he claims to have drilled are dry.”Bwala also questioned Ndume’s political credibility, suggesting that his repeated electoral victories are due more to state influence than grassroots support. He noted that Ndume had never won a primary election and was once even stoned in his hometown during the 2023 elections.“He doesn’t use his platform to advocate for the return of his displaced constituents in Cameroon,” Bwala added. “Instead of hiding behind the governor during visits, he should be urging the president to intervene.”

By Ebinum Samuel

The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd, mni, has declared that the Commission as a Constitutionally empowered oversight body, remains committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen the accountability and professionalism of the Nigeria Police.

DIG Argungu noted that the Commission’s shared goal ” is to build a policing system that is people-centred, transparent and guided by the rule of law”.He spoke at the occasion of the 41st anniversary celebration of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) which held today, Thursday, 8th May, 2025 in Abuja and where he was represented by Mr. Ikechukwu Ani, Head of Press and Public Relations and Spokesman of the Commission. The PSC Chairman also noted that for over four decades, the PCRC has served as a vital bridge between the Nigeria Police Force and the Communities they serve. “Your unwavering commitment to fostering trust, promoting mutual respect, and enhancing public confidence in policing has not only stood the test of time but has also become a cornerstone of community policing in Nigeria ” he told the Members at the celebration.

According to the PSC Chairman, “today, we do not only celebrate the legacy of the PCRC, but we also honour the countless achievements made possible through collaboration, dialogue and active citizen participation in crime prevention and peacebuilding efforts across the nation “DIG Argungu said, strengthening the partnerships between the Police, the public and Oversight institutions like the Commission is not a mere aspiration- it is a necessity for a safer, more secure Nigeria”He remarked ” let us continue to work together – Government, Police, Communities, and Civil Society to deepen trust, embrace innovation, and institutionalize community-driven approaches that make our neighbourhoods safer for all”.The PSC Chairman noted that as we reflect on the progress of community policing in Nigeria, let us also look ahead with renewed resolve.

He congratulated them on the remarkable milestone and prayed that PCRC continue to flourish in its noble mission.

By Ayo Oyoze Baje

Quote:

“Our visit is to underscore the importance of our collaboration and to assure you that we’re ready to support your work. If there is any area of assistance you would like, we’ll be ready to assist you,”

-Ms Candace Spradley ( Director of INL in Nigeria )

Leadership,viewed from different perspectives as it relates to individuals, communities and countries and considered from the dimensions of politics,the social and economic spectrums, succeeds when the drivers key into partnerships and collaborations with those who share in similar visions. As the renowned American entrepreneur Sam Walton once posited: ” Individuals don’t win. But teams do”.

Yes, members of such a team must act like spokes in a bicycle wheel, each complementing the other to move the body forward.In the light of the above -stated, and as Nigeria grapples with different challenges in the search for good governance, one of the federal government’s agencies to glean lessons from is the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency,( NDLEA ). With Brig. Gen. Mohammed Marwa ( Retd ) as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since assuming office on January 18, 2021 the agency has recorded outstanding and remarkable achievements in the frontal battle against the deceitful and devious demons of both drug trafficking and its abuse, especially by the rudderless youth.

For instance, while calling for partnership with the United Kingdom, UK he revealed that the NDLEA within a short span of 38 months arrested a staggering number of 50, 901 drug offenders among who were 46 key players in the nefarious trading of hard drugs, with 7,561 tonnes of the illicit substances siezed. And out of these some 9,034 offenders have been successfully convicted. This is a feat and one decisive blow to the drug barons and their consciousness cartels. But these would not have taken place without the support of its partners, including the security operatives from several countries across the world.That perhaps explains, the assurance given by the United States Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) with the pledge to keep supporting the NDLEA, more so in the continued fight against illicit substances abuse and drug trafficking.

According to the Director of the INL, Ms Candace Spradley during her visit to the NDLEA office in Abuja on April 28, 2025, in the company of her colleague, Ms Ada Aki the United States government commends the giant strides taken by the Agency to carry out its statutory functions. In that wise, the INL has reiterated its commitment to deepening cooperation with the NDLEA. In fact, it is ready to do more to stem the tide of drug trafficking as well as its abuse.It is interesting to note, that in a similar vein to the support from the United States INL, the United Kingdom Home Office International Operations (HOIO) has extolled its collaboration with the NDLEA in Nigeria in the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking. It noted that the fight is yielding positive results, as evidenced by the streak of successes recorded by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in recent times.That is according to the Head of UK Home Office International Operations, Victoria Pullen, who stated this when she led her colleague, Kristoffer Hawksfield, on a courtesy visit to Marwa to sign a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between HOIO and NDLEA in Abuja.Worthy of note is her gratitude to Marwa for “excellent cooperation,” Pullen said the challenge of drug trafficking is a huge global issue which takes a huge global effort to try and counter.“

I think it’s evident by some of the recent successes and the volume of some of the illicit commodities that your teams are finding that that cooperation is working exceptionally well and we are really enjoying working with your team on those successes,” she said. She also acknowledges the willingness of the NDLEA teams to work with that of the HOIO and do thing things differently.She noted that the commissioning of the NDLEA Marine Command Headquarters built and donated by the UK government in Lagos was a significant marker in the cooperation between the Agency and HOIO. One cannot agree any less.Good enough, in response Marwa expressed appreciation to the UK government for supporting Nigeria’s efforts to curb the scourge of illicit drug trafficking, especially with the building and donation of the Marine Headquarters facility to the Agency and a similar operational facility at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Command in Ikeja, Lagos, last year.With such pragmatic partnerships from foreign countries, it is quite understandable that Marwa was able to defend NDLEA ‘s N67.5bn 2025 Budget before the House Committee on Narcotic Drugs and the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics in Abuja, with the level of confidence that he did. That was on January 14, 2025. He is appreciative of the remarkable courage and commitment aptly demonstrated by both committees. That is the type of partnership that MDAs need to carry out their constitutional duties under a democratic dispensation. The point being made here is the imperative of such symbiotic relationships to act as catalysts for the agencies to excel at their operations, all to the benefit of the people.The NDLEA has therefore, exhibited not just accountability and transparency in the discharge of its programs and projects but shown value for the public fund made available to it.

That is one profound lesson for others to learn from.It also explains why the agency keeps moving forward from one great achievement to another.With such a high level of confidence the NDLEA has generated it is understandable why, as its spokesman, Femi Babafemi explained it underscores the acceptance by some state governments to embrace its advocacy to make drug tests mandatory for appointees and employees. So, with that firmly in place, some politicians found guilty of the offence have been prosecuted. It makes a lot of sense, as the policy has been extrapolated to other sectors, with employers, higher institutions and even prospective couples also adopting the life-saving policy.Still on the issue of partnerships, it is gratifying that the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has pledged unwavering support for the NDLEA in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse.That is specifically so within the nation’s maritime corridors. This resolve was emphasised during a courtesy visit by NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), to NIMASA’s headquarters in Lagos. The meeting highlighted both agencies’ shared commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s waterways from illegal activities. In the views of the NIMASA’s Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, the NDLEA’s relentless efforts under Marwa’s leadership, which have brought tangible progress in combating drug-related crimes is worthy of commendations.Without such collaboration it would have been one Herculean task for the NDLEA to discover an 80-room new hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos used as a cover for the distribution of illicit substances. A raid on the place uncovered a strong strain of cannabis with a total weight of 417.3 kilograms worth a whopping one billion forty-two million five hundred thousand naira! One can only imagine the number of precious lives such drugs would have wasted.

For the NDLEA to keep succeeding against all the odds, each and everyone of us has to play his part as parents, teachers, preachers and opinion leaders; to act as the moral compass to guide our younger generation of Nigerians right on the path to success in life.

How often do we stop to appreciate the people who make our lives easier — the tailor who always gets your fit right, the plumber who shows up in the rain, or the hair stylist who turns bad days into good ones with a simple touch-up?Well, Smile Communications is doing exactly that with the return of its heartwarming campaign, Smile Salutes 2.0!This year, the spotlight is on the unsung heroes across Nigeria — carpenters, fashion designers, plumbers, hair stylists, drivers, and even the tech support folks who rescue us from WiFi disasters.

Of course, office professionals are not left out either. If you show up, do your job with pride, and impact lives, this campaign is for you.“This campaign is about appreciation — pure and simple,” says ‘Goke Olaleye, Head of Marketing Operations at Smile Communications. “Too often, we overlook the people who keep our world running. Smile Salutes 2.0 is our way of saying, ‘We see you, and we appreciate you.’”Smile is using its platforms to spotlight people doing remarkable work, often in the background. It’s all about visibility — giving these everyday champions the credit and attention they deserve.You can follow along or even shout out someone awesome in your community by using the hashtag #SmileSalutes on social media.

So the next time someone fixes your leaking pipe, designs your wedding outfit, or helps get your child ready for school — take a moment to say thanks. Or better yet, join Smile in celebrating them. Because in the hustle and bustle of life, appreciation goes a long way.

By Ebinum Samuel

Notorious yahoo kingpin, Olamide, yesterday escaped from being nabbed by operatives of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in Lagos.The guy who has been a guest of various security agents over several allegations was reported to escaped by whiskers through his informant that he recently bought a Venza vehicle for. The source disclosed that the operatives who arrived his Lekki area of residence early in the morning searched all the nooks and crannies of the area for him, but to no avail. “His informant was faster than the operatives. He probably escaped with a rickety vehicle” said the source.Only recently, Olamide, a specialist in Wire Transfer fraud was arrested by policemen from Abuja over various allegations made against by his partner in crime.

He was subsequently nabbed and taken to Abuja where he was let off the hook after a “deal” with his partner simply identified as General.”Olamide has matters in Lagos State Police Command Headquarters, Zone 2, IRT, IGP Office and National Cybercrime Center. Now he’s wanted by EFCC. The question is that this young man who is yet to attain 30 years of age, how long would he continue to run away from security agents”? asked a resident .

By Ebinum Samuel

The Police Service Commission and the Ministry of Police Affairs today, Wednesday, May 7th, 2025 forged a new partnership to support the Nigeria Police Force in a collective pursuit of a more efficient, accountable and citizen-focused policing in Nigeria.The new Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Police Affairs, Dr. Anuma Ogbonnaya on behalf of his Minister, led a strong delegation of Directors and heads of relevant Departments and Divisions in the Ministry on a courtesy visit to the Commission where they were received by the Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni, Justice Paul Adamu Galumje, retired Justice of the Supreme Court and Honourable Commissioner representing the Judiciary, DIG Taiwo Lakanu fdc, Honourable Commissioner representing the Police and Chief Onyemuche Nnamani, Secretary to the Commission.

The full complements of the Commission’s management Staff were also in the Meeting.According Ikechukwu Ani, the Commission’s spokesman,DIG Argungu commended the initiative stressing that it will open better and rewarding channels of communication between the two government Agencies. The PSC Chairman noted that there must be robust collaboration between Police oversight Agencies for effective and efficient policing. He said the Commission has been working closely with the Ministry and will continue to do that in the interest of national security. ” there must be mutual respect, no body can do it alone, regular consultations is imperative and this is a good beginning ” he noted.

The Permanent Secretary told his host that the visit underscores the importance the Ministry attaches to the crucial work of the Commission. Dr. Ogbonnaya said he led the delegation to the Commission to foster a stronger working relationship and open channels of communication between the two government Agencies. “We recognise that our mandates are intrinsically linked, and effective collaboration is paramount to achieving our shared goals within the security architecture of Nigeria”, he remarked.

The Permanent Secretary said the Ministry deeply appreciates the significant role the Commission plays in overseeing the recruitment, promotion, discipline and overall welfare of Members of the Nigeria Police Force adding ” your independence and commitment to upholding standards of professionalism and integrity are vital to building public trust and ensuring the effectiveness of our police “Dr. Ogbonnaya observed that there are key areas where closer collaboration between the Ministry and the Commission could yield significant benefits.

•Senate moves to tackle killings as retired military chiefs, Reps lament insurgents’ use of sophisticated arms

Retired military generals have again called on the Federal Government to urgently equip the Nigerian Armed Forces, amid growing concerns over the resurgence of terrorists’ attacks and killings in the North-East.

This comes as the House of Representatives on Tuesday expressed deep concern over a recent deadly attack on a military facility in Giwa, Borno State, describing the incident as a glaring indicator that Boko Haram insurgents are better armed than the military.

During Tuesday’s plenary, the lawmakers lamented the gradual return of the terrorist group and the loss of lives in recent times in Borno and neighbouring Yobe States.

Though budgetary allocations to the defence and security sectors have steadily increased, there have been complaints and questions about the quality and volume of arms available to the troops.

In 2023, the Federal Government earmarked N2.98 trillion for defence and security. This rose to N3.25 trillion in the 2024 budget, and for 2025, President Bola Tinubu proposed a record N4.91tn out of the N49.7tn national budget, aimed at enhancing the operational effectiveness of security agencies.

Despite these substantial investments, Nigeria continues to grapple with deep-rooted security challenges, including insurgency and banditry.

The Defence Headquarters did not respond to the assertion by the House that the troops are ill-equipped when contacted on Tuesday.

The Director, Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, referred inquiries to the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye. But Kangye did not respond to phone calls or a text message sent to him on the issue.

However, retired senior military officers urged the Federal Government to prioritise the procurement of modern combat equipment and improved intelligence support to the frontline troops.

They warned that without immediate intervention, the hard-won gains in the war against insurgency could be reversed.

Brigadier General Peter Aro (retd.) said the question of whether terrorists are better armed than the Nigerian military “is no longer rhetorical.”

Describing it as a red flag that demanded urgent intervention, Aro warned that the insurgent groups have evolved from ragtag militias to highly equipped forces with access to encrypted communications, drone surveillance, night-vision devices, GPS-guided explosives, and coordinated strike systems.

He stated,  “While our troops remain committed and valiant, the battlefield has shifted from muscle to machine. Without matching this evolution, we risk sending brave soldiers into asymmetric warfare ill-equipped for modern threats. This isn’t about panic, it’s about parity.

“To stay ahead, Nigeria must make an urgent, strategic shift: fund intelligence, equip the army, and fast-track tech superiority. Gadgets that drive modern warfare, from satellite-linked sensors to AI-based surveillance tools, are prohibitively expensive, yet necessary.

“The army, under the leadership of one of the most competent, tested, and forward-thinking Chiefs of Army Staff in recent times, cannot afford to be left behind. He has the vision, the field experience, and the strategic acumen; what he needs now is full backing. Not just in words, but in robust budgetary commitments that reflect the true cost of winning an intelligence-driven war. The political leaders must show they have the willpower to take crucial decisions.”

Similarly, retired Brigadier General Bashir Adewinbi called for the military to be empowered with advanced intelligence-gathering tools such as surveillance drones and surveillance technologies that could aid in planning and executing strategic counterterrorism operations.

“You see what they (the terrorists) carry—it is above what our military is carrying,” Adewinbi affirmed. “We need equipment that can gather intelligence, monitor insurgents’ activities so the military knows what action to take,” he added.

Beyond a military solution, Adewinbi advocated for strong political will to address the root causes of insecurity, warning that some political actors may be exploiting the crisis for personal or partisan gain.

“They should be more stringent with whoever is involved in banditry or terrorist activities, regardless of who they are. Nigeria is our country, you don’t invite an enemy from outside just to discredit your political opponent, “ he said.

He also decried Nigeria’s porous borders, which he described as an open gateway for individuals with dangerous intentions. “Anybody can go and come, anyhow, anytime, without being monitored,” he noted.

A former spokesman for the Nigerian Air Force, Group Captain Sadique Shehu (retd.), demanded strict accountability, pointing out that without proper monitoring, funds allocated to the armed forces may be misused.

Speaking in an interview, Shehu said, “If you allow the military on their own to decide how to do their work and how to spend their money, the funds won’t get anywhere. In a democracy, either the executive branch or the legislature is supposed to be in a position to check these people. The system is awash with money, but there must be accountability.’’

According to him, the Nigerian public did not elect the service chiefs, and as such, the responsibility for ensuring that defence funds are well spent lies squarely with the elected officials.

“People do not elect the Chief of Army Staff or the Chief of Air Staff. They elected the president and lawmakers. They are the ones responsible. Yes, you are giving the military money, but did you follow the money and see where it was put?” he queried.

He likened the situation to household spending, saying, “Even if you give your wife a million naira and you don’t check how the children are feeding, she might be the kind of woman that likes buying gold or spending at ceremonies. Certainly, you gave her one million – there’s no doubt about that – but what is being done with that money? There is no oversight. There’s no oversight by the executive, there’s no oversight by the legislature.”

During the resumption of plenary on Tuesday,  the member representing Jere Federal Constituency, Borno State, Ahmed Satomi, presented a motion of urgent public importance on the renewed attacks by terrorists in his state.

Rallying support for the motion, Satomi, a member of the All Progressives Congress, lamented the recent fire incident in Giwa Barracks and the attacks on military formations in Borno and Yobe States.

On May 1, 2025, fire engulfed the military base; an incident the military command attributed to ‘’friendly fire.’’

“The fire incident affected the ammunition facility within the barracks, and some munitions exploded, causing loud bangs. Preliminary investigation revealed that the intense heat in Maiduguri around this time of the year may have triggered or conflagrated the fire,” a military statement clarified.

Speaking during the session, Santomi said, “I rise to move a motion of urgent public importance regarding the recent fire incident at the armoury at Giwa Barracks and the escalating attacks on military formations in Borno and Yobe States.

“The House is aware that Boko Haram has escalated its attacks on several military formations, with several soldiers killed. The recent surge in Boko Haram attacks on military formations is deeply alarming, and also, the bravery and sacrifice of our military personnel are being tested by these relentless assaults.”

In his contribution, Yusuf Gagdi (APC, Plateau) called on the parliament to prevail on the relevant government departments to discharge their responsibility.

“As a National Assembly, we have been doing our best. We have been speaking against these ills, but Nigerians are being killed daily. We cannot continue like this.

“The departments of government should be made to account for their responsibility. We are moving to a level where Nigerians will fight against us the way they are fighting against Boko Haram. If action is not taken, Nigerians will take their destiny in their hands,” Gagdi warned.

Also speaking, the member representing Gwoza/Damboa/Chibok Federal Constituency, Borno, Ahmed Jaha, supported the motion, calling for action to protect the lives and property of innocent Nigerians.

“What is happening in Borno is very dangerous. While these innocent citizens are running, Boko Haram will be pushing them, riding brand new motorcycles and armed with newly purchased AK-47 rifles.

“We can no longer pretend that all is well. Boko Haram is coming back stronger and is more sophisticatedly armed than the Nigerian military. They are using armed drones, weaponised drones, which the Nigerian army is not using. In other words, they are more sophisticated and advanced than the Nigerian Army,” he lamented.

“I observe one thing, sir. Boko Haram is coming back worse than what we had in the past. Take it or leave it,’’ he alerted the House.

On her part, the member representing Bama/Ngala/Kalabalge Federal Constituency, Borno, Zainab Gimba, urged the Federal Government to rise to the occasion and make Nigeria safe for all citizens.

She said, “In my constituency, there was a Boko Haram attack on a military formation of the multinational joint task force, where more than 20 soldiers were killed.

“I visited that formation and the commander told me that out of nearly 100 soldiers in that formation, only six are Nigerian soldiers. It is a multinational joint task force where we expect to have, if not an equal number, at least a substantive number of Nigerian military men in that formation.”

Joining the conversation, Lawan Shettima (APC, Yobe), said, “The majority of my motions this year are about insecurity. Mr Speaker, nothing has been done, and the pressure is being mounted day by day. Our people are being killed every day.

“I want this House to come up with another idea to deal with this problem. Mr Speaker, we have to think about how to create a law that will allow our people to protect themselves,” he argued.

Lagos lawmaker, Babajimi Benson, lamented that though the Federal Government has allocated a lot of resources to tackle security, not much has been achieved.

“I stand here with a sense of responsibility and humility to say that the presidency has expended so much money, so many resources on the Nigerian military without commensurate results. Mr Speaker, I also say with all sense of responsibility that Mr President has, on many occasions, put the creation of state police on the front burner. Yet, not much has been achieved,” he lamented.

Following the adoption of the motion, the House resolved to investigate the cause of the fire incident at Giwa Barracks armoury and report back for immediate action to prevent future occurrences.

 It also resolved to “Conduct a thorough review of security measures in military installations to prevent similar incidents.”

The lawmakers further agreed to “Strengthen security operations in Borno and Yobe states to protect military personnel and civilians and provide support and compensation to families of soldiers affected by these incidents.”

Concerns over Otukpo insecurity

 The House of Representatives expressed worry over the deteriorating security situation in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.

This followed the frequent killings of defenceless Nigerians in the North Central state recently by armed herdsmen.

Raising the issue on the floor of the House, Benue lawmaker Blessing Onuh said the peace the ancient city was known for has been shattered by the reckless killings of the people in the past few years.

“Otukpo has always been known for its peace and hospitality. However, in recent years, we have witnessed heinous and senseless killings perpetrated by armed herders.

“These are predominantly farming communities. Our people can no longer access their farmlands,  which not only threatens their livelihoods but also poses a grave risk to food production and sufficiency in the region,” Onuh stressed.

In its resolution, the House condemned the killings in the strongest terms and called on the National Security Adviser and the service chiefs to deploy maximum security personnel in the affected areas to restore peace and order.

“We must act swiftly to protect lives and properties,” the House declared. “The perpetrators of these barbaric acts must be arrested and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others.”

The lawmakers also urged the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the National Emergency Management Agency to urgently provide relief materials to the victims of the attacks.

As a show of solidarity, the House resolved to send a high-powered delegation to commiserate with the people of Otukpo and observed a one-minute silence in honour of those who lost their lives.

 Senate plans summit

On its part, the Senate resolved to hold a two-day national security summit to proffer solutions to the rising wave of killings and other forms of insecurity in the country.

The decision followed a motion sponsored by Jimoh Ibrahim, senator representing Ondo South, at the resumption of plenary on Tuesday.

Last month, gunmen, in a senseless campaign of violence, killed scores of citizens in Plateau, Benue and Zamfara States.

 Leading the debate, Ibrahim said global insecurity is driven by events in Russia and Ukraine and compounded by tensions between the global north and south.

According to him, the issues have continuously worsened food insecurity and affected the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The former Ondo governorship aspirant emphasised that the ongoing trade tariff war in America and the growing emphasis on balance of power in global affairs are gradually giving way to a new world order.

“This new order reflects in immigration policies, visa cancellations by new regimes, and countries raising funds by selling citizenship — all of which fuel economic conflict and undermine globalisation pursued over the last sixty years,” he said.

Continuing, Ibrahim said Nigeria must clarify its strategic engagement in international affairs, noting that the Senate has a role in advising the executive to maximise national interest

“The next world war may not even require the fanfare of militarism. The incredible growing economic war is gaining ground with destructive innovation in security globally.

“There is a need for alternative language in military engagement as well as enhanced funding to advance the professional practices and respected tradition of the future military,” he stated.

He, therefore, called for an “empirical fact-finding national security summit” to develop far-reaching solutions.

The senator representing Katsina South, Mohammed Dandutse, seconded the motion, saying the lack of intelligence sharing among security agencies was a major setback.

“Nigeria is blessed; we have no other country except Nigeria. We have to face these criminals squarely. No country succeeds except with peace and security. The security agencies are given funding. So there is a need for the judicious spending of these resources,” he noted.

The senators representing Abia South, Enyinnaya Abaribe and Kebbi Central, Adamu Aliero, however, disagreed with the proposal. Both lawmakers argued that a security summit may not be the solution.

The senator representing Benue North-West, Titus Zam and the senate minority leader, Abba Moro, backed Ibrahim’s motion.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio put the motion to a voice vote, and the majority of senators voted in favour of the summit.

Akpabio, however, proposed that the summit should be held for two days instead of the three days proposed by Ibrahim.

The Senate subsequently resolved to set up an ad-hoc committee to organise the two-day national security summit in Abuja

The event will involve delegates from all levels of government, as well as traditional institutions.