Senate demands rescue of 416 captives amid rising insecurity

Nigeria’s worsening security situation has sparked fresh debate at the National Assembly, with the Senate demanding the immediate rescue of 416 citizens reportedly held by Boko Haram.

The development follows renewed attacks across parts of the North-East, particularly in Borno State and Adamawa State, raising concerns about a possible resurgence of insurgent activities.

During plenary, lawmakers observed a minute of silence for 17 military officers killed in a March 3 assault on military formations, describing the attacks as coordinated and strategic.

Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno warned that the assaults were aimed at weakening military operations and disrupting key routes, saying, “This is not random. It is deliberate and strategic.”

Senator Ali Ndume disclosed that insurgents had issued a 72-hour ultimatum demanding a ₦5 billion ransom for the abducted victims, intensifying urgency among lawmakers.

Also speaking, Senator Abdul Ningi called for extraordinary measures, including the suspension of political activities in frontline states affected by insecurity.

“We must take extraordinary measures. This is no longer business as usual,” Ningi said, listing states such as Borno, Plateau, Bauchi, Benue, Niger, Sokoto, Kebbi and parts of Kano.

The Senate subsequently directed the Armed Forces to review operational strategies, strengthen intelligence, and improve equipment audits, while urging humanitarian agencies to scale up support for affected communities.

Despite the concerns, the Federal Government maintained that the situation is improving. Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said ongoing military operations had significantly weakened insurgent groups.

“The challenges we face are temporary. There are clear signs of improvement,” he stated.

However, fresh violence has continued to undermine such claims. In coordinated attacks on border communities in Borno and Adamawa, at least 20 residents were killed after armed insurgents overpowered local vigilantes and opened fire on civilians.

Eyewitnesses reported that attackers stormed the communities on motorcycles, looted property and set homes ablaze, operating for hours without immediate resistance.

Meanwhile, troops under Operation Hadin Kai recorded a major success, killing over 30 fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) during operations around Lake Chad.

According to military authorities, precision airstrikes destroyed multiple boats and logistics hubs used by the group, significantly disrupting their movement and supply chain.

Security stakeholders, including Gani Adams, have also called for broader reforms, including nationwide surveillance systems and improved electricity supply to support security infrastructure.

As insecurity persists across multiple regions, pressure is mounting on authorities to adopt a more coordinated and decisive strategy to protect lives and restore confidence nationwide.