By Uzair Adam
The Senate has mandated its joint committee on security to investigate the sudden withdrawal of military personnel from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State, shortly before bandits attacked the school.
The committee is expected to report its findings within two weeks.
The upper chamber also tasked the joint committee to probe the circumstances surrounding the killing of Brig.-Gen. Musa Uba.
In addition, the Senate resolved to dissolve its standing committees on National Security and Intelligence, as well as the Air Force, with a view to reconstituting them.
The Senate leadership is also set to meet with President Bola Tinubu to brief him on the critical resolutions and views of the upper chamber.
These decisions followed a motion by Senate Deputy Leader Lola Ashiru titled, “Urgent Need to Address Escalating Insecurity in Kwara, Kebbi and Niger, Call for Immediate and Comprehensive Federal Intervention,” during Wednesday’s plenary.
Other resolutions included commending President Tinubu and security agencies for their rapid interventions and rescue of some kidnapped victims.
The Senate urged sustained coordinated operations until all abducted persons nationwide are rescued and perpetrators apprehended.
It also advised the federal government to strengthen local vigilance groups for swift responses to similar attacks and recommended a review of Nigeria’s firearm law to reflect current security challenges, similar to more than 175 countries where responsible citizens are permitted to own guns.
The Senate further resolved to pursue diplomatic engagement with the United States and other allied nations’ parliaments to strengthen intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism training to address Nigeria’s security challenges.
Members observed a one-minute silence in memory of the victims of recent attacks.In his contribution, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau highlighted the rise in insecurity across the country, linking it to international perceptions and the increased activities of terrorists.
“These heinous crimes show that those involved do not love our country. They move in convoys to commit atrocities. We should deploy technology to counter this menace,” he said.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele noted that many kidnapped persons from Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger have regained their freedom, emphasizing that government did not pay ransom but achieved successful rescues, a positive development amid ongoing security challenges.