–Barau Rallies States, Citizens Behind Tinubu’s Push to Defeat Insecurity
BY GODWIN OBI
The Senate has urged the Federal Government to review Nigeria’s firearm laws to allow responsible citizens legally own guns, citing escalating insecurity in Kwara, Kebbi and Niger states.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion titled “Urgent need to address escalating insecurity in Kwara, Kebbi and Niger States,” sponsored by Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Lola Ashiru (APC, Kwara South).
Ashiru highlighted recent attacks on schools, worship centres and rural communities, including the November 18 assault on Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Eruku, in Kwara State, where two worshippers were killed and 38 abducted. The victims were later released.
Senators expressed alarm over the rising wave of banditry, violent raids and mass abductions that have forced the closure of dozens of schools, including 47 unity colleges.
They commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for suspending foreign trips to personally coordinate security operations, which led to the rescue of 38 abductees in Kwara and 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi.
Lawmakers also urged communities to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies, warning against internal collaborators aiding criminal groups.
Citing global practices, they argued that Nigeria’s firearm laws must reflect the current realities, noting that over 175 countries permit responsible citizens to legally own firearms.
They further called for decisive action against terrorists and kidnappers and demanded urgent investigations into alleged internal sabotage within security formations.
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) questioned the reported withdrawal of troops from the Kebbi community shortly before the abduction of 24 schoolgirls from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga.
“What Nigerians want to know is: who ordered the withdrawal?” Abaribe asked. “If I were the President, I would summon the commander immediately.”
Senator Adams Oshiomhole also demanded transparency, insisting that the officer who authorised the troop withdrawal must be identified.
He said: “The President is doing his best, but we must do things differently. Nigerians deserve to know who issued that order.”
Senator Henry Seriake Dickson lamented the killing of Brigadier-General Musa Uba, describing it as further evidence of an internal breach within security operations.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele called for urgent reforms in the national security architecture, warning that “time is running out.” He noted that although 38 abducted Kwara victims had been rescued, the perpetrators remained at large.
He also rejected suggestions that the National Assembly should shut down in protest, saying such theatrics would amount to abandoning constitutional responsibility.
“This is no time for drama. Lives are at stake,” he said, stressing the need to strengthen the Senate Committee on Security and Intelligence.
Barau Drums Up Support for Tinubu’s Security Push
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau commended President Tinubu’s decisive actions against insecurity and urged states, private organisations and citizens to support ongoing efforts.
“Mr. President is doing extremely well,” Barau said. “All his efforts must be complemented by Nigerians — state governments, private bodies, even ordinary citizens.”
He argued that security challenges are not the responsibility of the Federal Government alone and called on states to invest in surveillance, intelligence-gathering and logistical support.
Barau said insecurity could be defeated faster if each state strengthened monitoring of forests and rural communities.
“If states provide surveillance infrastructure, the military can respond more effectively. Replicated nationwide, the results will come quickly,” he said.
Citing Tinubu’s cancellation of his trip to the G20 Summit in South Africa to focus on national security, Barau described the President as a leader working daily to secure the nation.
He added that the Senate leadership would meet with the President to present the urgent resolutions, expressing confidence that Tinubu would act on them.
Barau also weighed in on the debate over state police, arguing that the priority should be improved capacity and funding rather than the label attached to the security structure.
“It is not about nomenclature. Even the federal police need better tools and training. What matters is capability, not titles,” he said.
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