The Nigerian Senate has called on Federal Government to set up a military base in Kwara State as part of efforts to curb the escalating wave of insecurity across the region.
Gatekeepers News reports that during plenary, lawmakers expressed grave concern over the persistent attacks in Kwara South, where at least 142 people have been kidnapped and over 70 others killed within the past year. Reports also revealed that 25 communities have been abandoned due to incessant raids.
According to the Senate Deputy Majority Leader, the perpetrators—believed to be foreign armed groups collaborating with local informants—have crippled farming, schooling, and trading activities, plunging residents deeper into hardship.
The legislator added that federal government’s and security agencies’ responses have been episodic, inadequate, and reactive, leaving vast areas under the control of criminal gangs.
He therefore urged the government to deploy more troops and specialized units to clear the forests, reclaim ungoverned spaces, and restore safety in the affected communities.
The lawmaker also appealed to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to deliver relief materials to displaced residents and compensate families of slain vigilantes and forest guards.
Supporting the motion, Senator Sunday Karimi of Kogi West decried the worsening insecurity, noting that entire communities have been taken over by bandits.
He warned, “In the past six months, our people have been attacked daily. Some individuals are profiting from this crisis. We must act quickly—our people are in distress.”
Also, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) stressed that insecurity in any part of Nigeria should be viewed as a national concern.
He said, “An injury to one is an injury to all. These criminals are moving southward and have already reached Edo North. Every time a Nigerian is kidnapped, especially near a military post, public trust erodes. The armed forces must restrategize and intensify their efforts.”
Senator Ekong Samson (Akwa Ibom South) called for a unified national response, emphasising that community-level security structures must be strengthened to complement military efforts.
Similarly, Senator Garba Madoki (Kebbi South) urged the Senate to demand weekly updates from the military on their counterinsurgency progress.
On his part, Senator Saliu Mustapha (Kwara Central) cautioned against politicising the crisis, while Senator Umar reminded colleagues of their legislative oversight role, saying lawmakers must bite harder to ensure accountability and results.
Following deliberations, the Senate directed its committees on defence, police affairs, and national security to carry out an on-the-spot assessment of the affected areas and present a comprehensive report within two weeks.
