Senator Maidoki Sounds Alarm Over Rising Insecurity, Senate Calls for Enhances Surveillance, Increase in Security Funding

Applaud President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed security strategy, targeting insurgency and banditry through enhanced military funding, intelligence gathering, and technology deployment

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By Fatima Saka

The Senate on Wednesday adopted far-reaching resolutions to address Nigeria’s escalating security challenges following a motion sponsored by Senator Garba Musa Maidoki (APC, Kebbi South).

Raising the motion during plenary, Senator Maidoki warned that insecurity—particularly insurgency and banditry—continues to pose a grave threat to national stability.

He called for heightened vigilance, stronger national unity, and improved surveillance to counter criminal networks, urging Nigerians to resist internal collaborators who aid and abet insecurity.

Maidoki commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the nation’s security agencies for their prompt responses to recent attacks, especially in parts of the North-West, but stressed the need for sustained and coordinated efforts to stem the tide of violence.

Following deliberations, the Senate unanimously resolved to support intensified and coordinated security operations across the country. The resolutions include strengthened cross-state collaboration among security agencies, expanded forest surveillance, and the reinforcement of community-based intelligence systems to flush out criminal elements, particularly in Katsina State and other security flashpoints.

Lawmakers also directed the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and other relevant agencies to provide immediate humanitarian relief and psychosocial support to communities affected by insurgent attacks. The Senate further observed a one-minute silence in honour of victims who lost their lives to banditry and insurgency.

Contributing to the debate, a senator expressed deep frustration over the protracted fight against banditry, arguing that Nigeria cannot afford an endless security battle. He called for urgent and massive funding of the armed forces, noting that the current troop strength is insufficient to secure the country’s vast territory.

“We must commit adequate resources and fund the military properly so this problem can end within this year, not by 2026,” he said, while paying tribute to fallen security personnel, including a warrant officer killed in active service.

In his response, Senate President Godswill Akpabio acknowledged the anger and concerns raised by lawmakers, explaining that insurgents often exploit soft targets where military presence is limited. He noted that Nigeria’s size makes it impractical to deploy troops to every community, underscoring the need for technology-driven solutions.

Akpabio disclosed that the Senate had advised the executive arm to explore the deployment of advanced surveillance drones capable of monitoring vast and difficult terrains beyond human reach. He assured that the National Assembly would prioritise defence and security funding in the 2026 budget to strengthen military capacity.

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The Senate President also stressed the importance of public cooperation, urging citizens to refrain from shielding criminals and to provide timely intelligence, noting that intelligence gathering remains critical to successful security operations.

The Senate reaffirmed its resolve to end banditry and insurgency, expressing optimism that sustained military funding, enhanced intelligence gathering, and the deployment of modern technology would help restore peace and stability across the country.