The Nigerian Senate has called on President Bola Tinubu to order the immediate recruitment of at least 100,000 additional personnel into the Armed Forces to bolster national security.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent national importance moved by Senator Abdullahi Yahaya (Kebbi North), who reported a recent terrorist attack in Kebbi South, where gunmen invaded a Girls’ Secondary School, abducted 25 students, and injured the school’s principal.
Senator Yahaya lamented that the recurring attacks on educational institutions not only endanger citizens but also discourage girls from pursuing education. He recalled a similar abduction from another government school in 2022, noting that it took four years to rescue the victims.
“This terrorism targeting students must stop,” he said, urging security agencies to swiftly track down the attackers. He also appealed to President Tinubu to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
Lawmakers expressed outrage over the latest assault, questioning the effectiveness of funds allocated to securing schools. Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the pattern as a worrying repetition, drawing parallels with the 2014 abduction of the Chibok girls. He warned that the renewed attacks come at a time when the international community is closely monitoring Nigeria’s security landscape.
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Akpabio noted that Nigeria’s vast geography, limited security manpower, and criminals’ resort to soft targets complicate security efforts. While expressing sympathy for the victims and their families, he emphasised that no society is entirely free of crime and stressed the need to minimise such incidents.
The Senate has constituted an ad hoc committee, including members of the Committee on Finance, to investigate the funding, utilisation, and impact of the Safe School Initiative. A minute of silence was observed in honour of Vice Principal Malam Hassan Makuku, who was killed while attempting to protect students.
The terrorists abducted 25 girls from the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS), Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area. Reports indicate that the attackers killed the Vice Principal before fleeing with the students during a Sunday night raid.
The Federal Government has condemned the attack and assured Nigerians of prompt action. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said security and intelligence agencies had been directed to locate and safely rescue the students and ensure the perpetrators are apprehended.
He reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to protecting all Nigerians, particularly schoolchildren. Meanwhile, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris has assured parents that efforts are underway to secure the release of the abducted girls.
