The Nigerian Senate has pledged that armed banditry and related insecurity will be brought to an end by the close of 2026, as lawmakers called for stronger funding and strategic actions to support security forces across affected regions.
In a plenary session on Wednesday, Senate President Godswill Akpabio responded to a Point of Order highlighting the rising incidents of banditry, kidnappings and violent attacks in parts of northern Nigeria.
He said his personal prayer on January 1, 2026 was for both banditry and insurgency to conclude this year, a sentiment he shared with the nation. The Senate affirmed it would review the 2026 budget with a view to increasing allocations for the military to enhance operational effectiveness.
Senators also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and national security agencies to sustain coordinated operations aimed at flushing out criminal elements nationwide. They emphasized that Nigeria’s vast terrain makes it difficult to secure all communities, especially soft targets, and must be tackled through improved intelligence, logistics and equipment.
Calls for Community Vigilance and Strengthened Security Collaboration
Separately, the Senate underscored the role of public cooperation in addressing insecurity, urging Nigerians particularly in hard-hit areas like Katsina State to resist internal collaborators who may be enabling criminal networks.
Lawmakers warned that individuals who shield or assist bandits pose serious threats to peace and ongoing security operations.
The upper chamber also commended international and bilateral military partnerships, including ongoing cooperation with the United States, as part of broader efforts to counter terrorism, insurgency and banditry.
Context: Rising Attacks and Budget Calls
The Senate’s statements come amid reports of recent attacks in Katsina and other northern states, where banditry has led to deaths and disruption of farming activities, threatening local livelihoods and national food security.
Lawmakers emphasised the need to equip security personnel with modern technology and adequate funding to manage persistent threats.
Get a premium automobile insurance coverage for your vehicle for as low as #15000 only and claim up to #3,000,000 in damages @Zenith Insurance To signup: WhatsApp/Call: +2349028313757
