The Senate has resolved to hold a two-day national security summit to address the rising insecurity in the country.
The decision followed a motion sponsored by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, who represents Ondo South Senatorial District, during plenary on Tuesday in Abuja.
Ibrahim said the “high level” of global insecurity is being driven by the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, compounded by tensions between the Global North and Global South.
He noted that these global developments have worsened food insecurity and hindered progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The senator further observed that the ongoing tariff war in the United States and the increasing emphasis on power balancing in global affairs have contributed to the emergence of a new world order.
“This new order is reflected in immigration policies, visa cancellations by new regimes, and countries raising funds by selling citizenship—all fuel economic conflict and undermine the globalisation efforts of the past sixty years,” he said.
Ibrahim stressed that Nigeria must clarify its strategic engagement in international affairs and noted that the Senate is responsible for advising the executive to safeguard the national interest.
“The next world war may not require the fanfare of militarism. The increasingly potent economic war is gaining ground with destructive innovation in global security,” he said.
On the domestic front, Ibrahim stated that insecurity has become “pervasive,” affecting both urban and rural areas, where banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and other violent crimes persist.
He commended President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to securing the country and emphasised the need to strengthen military strategy with enhanced intelligence support.
“Most military strategies and language are no longer exclusive to the military,” he said. “There is a need for alternative approaches to military engagement, as well as increased funding to promote professional standards and uphold the traditions of the future military.”
He called for an “empirical, fact-finding national security summit” to help develop comprehensive solutions.
Senator Mohammed Dandutse, representing Katsina South, seconded the motion and cited poor intelligence sharing among security agencies as a significant setback.
“Nigeria is blessed—we have no other country. We must face these criminals squarely. No country thrives without peace and security,” he said.
“The security agencies are being funded, so there is a need for the judicious use of these resources.”
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South, said no senator is unaware of the security situation in their constituency. He urged lawmakers to be serious and truthful in addressing the crisis.
Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro lamented the daily kidnappings in Otukpo, Benue South Senatorial District, and said the summit would allow experts to propose solutions.
“Mr President, the question before us now is whether to convene a national security summit or not—and if you ask me, I’ll say yes,” he said.
“Security is everyone’s business, and all stakeholders must be involved in finding solutions.”
Senator Titus Zam, representing Benue North-West, revealed that bandits have hoisted flags in occupied communities in Benue State, stressing the need for urgent and decisive action to reclaim the affected areas.
In response, Senate President Godswill Akpabio put the motion to a voice vote, and most senators voted to hold the summit.
However, Akpabio amended the proposed duration, reducing the summit from three to two days.
The Senate subsequently resolved to set up an Ad-hoc Committee to organise the two-day national security summit in Abuja.
The summit will include delegates from all tiers of government as well as traditional institutions.
Akpabio also urged the federal government to review and overhaul national security policies based on the summit’s outcomes.
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