Senate reacts as the insecurity in Nigeria approaches them in the federal capital

Concerns over insecurity in the nation’s capital were amplified as the Senate convened on Wednesday. Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed dismay, highlighting the incursion of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and referencing incidents in Kubwa and Bwari. Akpabio’s comments were made during a Senate briefing with heads of security agencies, which was adjourned due to the absence of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, and Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa.

Summoned last week to address Nigeria’s escalating insecurity, security chiefs were tasked with addressing the surge in violence and kidnappings across the country, including within the FCT. Despite the Senate’s preparedness, the scheduled security meeting was postponed to February 13, pending the presence of key officials. Military chiefs and security heads, including the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services, were among those in attendance.

Akpabio emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of the situation, stressing the importance of the NSA, Defence Minister, and Police Affairs Minister in attendance. He highlighted impacted areas such as Agatu, Taraba, Oyo, and Plateau, underlining the Senate’s concern and commitment to representing the Nigerian people’s interests. Akpabio acknowledged apologies from the NSA for prior engagements and reiterated the demand for the presence of various officials, including the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Minister of Finance, and the Minister of Interior, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.

Akpabio instructed the Senate clerk to ensure the attendance of all invited officials for the rescheduled briefing next week, affirming the Senate’s unwavering commitment to addressing the security challenges confronting Abuja and the nation.