The Nigerian Senate has taken decisive action in response to the escalating security challenges in the country by summoning the military and other security agencies.
In a motion moved by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua during Thursday’s plenary session, the Red Chamber decided to invite the Service Chiefs for a closed-door session to provide insight into the measures being taken to address the growing insecurity.
Commending the efforts of the security forces in Nigeria, the Senate urged enhanced coordination and synergy among security agencies for a more effective and comprehensive approach to tackling various forms of insecurity.
Additionally, the Senate called for the development of a National Security Policy document outlining a framework for improved collaboration and coordination.
Senator Yar’Adua highlighted the complex security landscape in Nigeria, emphasising the need for collective action against insurgencies and emerging security crises.
“Nigeria has various security agencies aside from the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Nigeria Police Force. These include the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Correctional Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and other authorised Civilian Task Forces.
“Nigeria has other key security services that oversee both internal and external threats: the Department of State Service, the Defence Intelligence Agency, and the National Intelligence Agency.”
He pointed out the simultaneous security challenges faced by the nation, including Boko Haram in the North-East, banditry and kidnapping in the North-West, and activities of gunmen in the South-East and South-South regions.
“Nigeria was facing numerous simultaneous security crises. These include the Boko Haram in the North-East; the activities of bandits and kidnappers in the North-west; the activities of gunmen in the South-east and South-south; and other forms of criminality like armed robbery, herders/farmers clashes and cross-border crimes.”
The lawmaker stressed the importance of a centralised command structure and coordinated efforts among security agencies and parastatals to ensure the safety and security of Nigeria.
News About Nigeria reports that he called for a united front to address the multifaceted security issues affecting the country.
