Help Wanted: Senate Tells FG To Seek International Support, Boost Troops’ Firepower!

In response to escalating banditry and the killing of security personnel and civilians across Nigeria, the Senate has called on the Federal Government to take decisive action, including seeking international assistance and enhancing the nation’s security infrastructure.

The Red Chamber expressed deep concern over recurring attacks, particularly the recent ambush of a military base in Kwanan Dutse, Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State. Lawmakers emphasized the urgent need for the Armed Forces, Police, and other security agencies to not only fulfill their duties but also adopt innovative and modern strategies to tackle insecurity nationwide.

Additionally, the Senate advocated collaboration with foreign partners to develop technology-driven and scientific approaches to safeguard the lives of military and security personnel and reduce operational casualties.

These resolutions stemmed from 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.”

The motion was sponsored by Senator Abubakar Sani Bello (APC, Niger North) and co-sponsored by Senators Sani Musa (Niger East) and Peter Jiya (Niger South).

In his lead debate, Senator Musa recounted the June 24, 2025, attack that left about 20 soldiers dead and others injured. He also highlighted similar deadly incidents in Tofa village, Gusau (Zamfara State), and Cida village, Shinkafi LGA (Sokoto State), where about 15 and 100 lives were reportedly lost, respectively. The Sokoto incident was allegedly led by notorious bandit leader Bello Turji.

Musa described the affected regions, particularly in Niger State, as partially controlled by bandits who engage in kidnapping, cattle rustling, and gender-based violence. He warned that the attackers were becoming increasingly emboldened and called for the deployment of advanced security technology and international cooperation to effectively combat the threats.

He also stressed that unconventional threats such as terrorism and banditry require non-traditional responses. Asymmetric warfare, he noted, cannot be tackled by conventional means alone, urging the government to convene stakeholders for strategic dialogue.

The motion received overwhelming support and was adopted through a voice vote led by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the plenary.