Senate praises President Tinubu and security agencies for swift rescue of kidnap victims in Kwara and Niger states amid rising attacks

The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday commended President Bola Tinubu and the country’s security agencies for the swift rescue of dozens of kidnap victims in Kwara and Niger states, even as it warned that attacks on schools and places of worship have reached alarming levels.

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The commendation followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senator Asiru Yisa (Kwara South) titled “Urgent Need to Address Escalating Insecurity in Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger States – Call for Immediate and Comprehensive Federal Intervention.” Yisa expressed deep concern over the recent attack on Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku, where armed assailants killed two worshippers and abducted 38 people, all of whom have since been freed.

Senator Yisa also raised alarms over the apparent withdrawal of military personnel from a school in Kebbi just hours before a bandit attack, urging an urgent and transparent investigation.

“Credible reports indicate military personnel were withdrawn from the affected Kebbi school just hours before the bandits struck, raising grave questions that demand transparent and urgent investigation,” he said.

The Senate further warned that internal collaborators are aiding bandits with logistics and escape routes, noting that criminals continue to exploit porous forest corridors such as the Kwara–Kogi axis, Kebbi–Zamfara route, and Niger’s Shiroro–Rafi–Munya belt.

Vulnerable communities, including Eruku, Isapa, and Koro, were highlighted, while the deplorable condition of the Idofian–Omu-Aran–Eruku–Egbe–Kabba highway was condemned as an easy escape route for criminals.

Lawmakers praised President Tinubu for his “exemplary leadership and swift response” to the attacks, noting his decision to cancel foreign trips to coordinate rescue operations.

“We commend Tinubu and security agencies for rapid interventions and urge sustained operations until all abductees nationwide are freed,” the chamber said.

It also mandated the army, police, DSS, and Defence Intelligence Bureau to intensify intelligence-driven operations and called for the creation of a Joint Task Force for the Kwara–Kogi corridor with operating bases in Eruku, Babanla, Oke-Ero, and Isanlu.

The Senate acknowledged the courage and resilience of local communities and vigilante groups, urging residents to remain vigilant and resist internal collaborators.

Two minutes of silence were observed for victims, and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and NEMA were directed to provide relief to affected families.

The chamber resolved to engage the US and allied parliaments for support in intelligence and counter-terrorism initiatives.

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Recent attacks included the abduction of 24 female students from a school hostel in Kebbi, 38 worshippers from a church vigil in Eruku, Kwara State, and over 300 pupils and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, sparking public outrage.