Nigerian senator urges proactive security measures amid rising insurgency and banditry

Senator Ali Ndume, a former Senate Leader, has reiterated his call for the Nigerian federal government to adopt a more proactive stance in combating insurgency and banditry. This renewed appeal comes in the wake of a disturbing incident where terrorists, disguised as military and forest guard personnel, abducted approximately 42 students and food vendors during a National Examinations Council (NECO) exam in Lassa, Borno State.

Ndume, representing the Borno South senatorial district where the abduction occurred, expressed deep concern over the incident. He stressed the need for the federal government, in collaboration with sub-national authorities, to demonstrate a more robust commitment to national security. "The way to disabuse the minds of Nigerians that the terrorists are overwhelming the government and security personnel is to take the battle to their hideouts and reassure Nigerians that they can conveniently sleep with their two eyes closed," Ndume stated, emphasizing the urgency of decisive action.

He also highlighted the plight of other abducted individuals, noting the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the fate of children kidnapped the previous month and others abducted along various routes. Ndume urged security forces to intensify their efforts to secure the safe return of all victims. He commended the prompt intervention of security agencies in rescuing some individuals but called for enhanced synergy among all security bodies to prevent future attacks.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, addressed the broader security landscape in Africa. He called for coordinated continental responses and strengthened military cooperation to tackle evolving security threats, including terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organized crime, maritime insecurity, cyber threats, and humanitarian crises that destabilize the continent. The Chief of Defence Staff emphasized the crucial role of the African Union's Military Staff Committee in advising the Peace and Security Council on these complex challenges.

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The way to disabuse the minds of Nigerians that the terrorists are overwhelming the government and security personnel is to take the battle to their hideouts and reassure Nigerians that they can conveniently sleep with their two eyes closed.