From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
Following deadly attacks that claimed scores of lives across Niger, Zamfara, and Sokoto states last Tuesday, the Senate has called on the federal government to immediately upgrade the country’s security infrastructure and adopt modern and scientific methods in combating terrorism and banditry.
The request followed the adoption of a motion titled “Armed bandits attack on the Nigerian military base around Kwanan Dutse, Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State: Urgent need for the Federal Government to step-up and upgrade its security apparatus to check the rising spate of incessant attacks by bandits and terrorists across the country.”
googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-1718806029429-0’); });
It was sponsored by Sani Abubakar Bello (Niger North), and co-sponsored by Mohammed Sani Musa (Niger East) and Peter Ndalikali Jiya (Niger South) in plenary yesterday.
Leading the debate, Bello lamented the tragic attack that occurred on June 24, 2025, when bandits ambushed a Nigerian military base in Kwanan Dutse, Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State, killing 20 soldiers and injuring several others.
“The gallant soldiers were brutally ambushed by bandits in a part of Niger State that has remained under persistent attacks. The loss of 20 patriotic military men in one incident is a painful reminder of the dangers our security personnel face daily,” he said.
He further noted that on the same day, further carnage was recorded in Tofa village of Magami district, Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where 15 civilians were killed by armed men, while in Sokoto State, around Cida village in Shinkafi Local Government, an attack reportedly led by the notorious bandit leader Bello Turji claimed an estimated 100 lives.
The senator expressed concern that these regions have become partially controlled by bandits who not only target civilians and security agents but are also involved in kidnapping for ransom, cattle rustling, illegal mining, and violence against women.
“The frequency and boldness of these attacks suggest that the criminal elements are becoming increasingly emboldened, and our current approach is clearly not yielding the desired results,” he warned.
He emphasised that defeating terrorism and banditry will require the adoption of modern, scientific, and technological methods, as well as robust international collaborations.
“It is clear that asymmetrical warfare such as we are currently facing cannot be won by conventional military methods alone,” the lawmakers stated. “There is an urgent need for the Federal Government to bring all security stakeholders together to re-strategise.”
The Senate also urged the federal government to charge the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police, and other security agencies to develop innovative approaches to counter the rising insecurity, collaborate with foreign partners, and adopt technological and scientific methods in security operations to reduce casualties and improve efficiency.
They observed a minute silence in honour of the fallen soldiers in Niger State and other officers who have died in the line of duty defending the country.
The motion was unanimously adopted after contributions from several senators who echoed the call for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s security architecture.
The post Senate demands upgrade of security infrastructure after bandit attacks in Niger, Zamfara, Sokoto appeared first on The Sun Nigeria.
