As insecurity continues to threaten lives and economic development in Nigeria, the Senate has unveiled plans to hold regional consultations with key stakeholders across all six geo-political zones. The goal is to identify the root causes of violence and armed conflict, and implement sustainable strategies for peace.
Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on National Security Summit held at the National Assembly, Senate Leader and Committee Chairman, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, emphasized that no investment in infrastructure would yield meaningful results unless peace and security are firmly established in affected regions.
> “You can’t build infrastructure on insecurity. Peace must come first,” Bamidele stated.
The 20-member committee—made up of ranking senators, including the Chief Whip, Minority Leader, and chairmen of security-related committees—was set up to drive a national conversation around the security crisis and recommend actionable solutions.
Direct Engagement with Citizens and Victims
As part of its mandate, the committee will engage community leaders, traditional rulers, victims of violence, and grassroots stakeholders. The Senate aims to collect insights and solutions from those directly affected by banditry, terrorism, kidnappings, oil theft, and other forms of insecurity.
> “We will go to every region, listen to people’s fears and suggestions, and work together on practical measures to restore safety,” Bamidele assured.
He added that the summit will involve contributions from all sectors of society—security agencies, civil society groups, local governments, traditional institutions, and the media—to ensure a holistic national response.
Regional Security Challenges Mapped Out
Senator Bamidele outlined the specific security threats plaguing different parts of the country:
North-East: Insurgency and terrorist activities
North-West: Banditry and mass kidnappings
North-Central: Farmer-herder clashes and rising attacks in Benue and Kwara
South-East: Separatist agitation and rising cases of kidnapping
South-South: Oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and piracy
South-West: Ritual killings and abduction for ransom
He noted that these issues now transcend regional boundaries and require coordinated national action.
A Call for Unity and National Healing
Reaffirming the Senate’s commitment, Bamidele said Nigeria’s development and unity depend on restoring law, order, and trust among citizens. The committee will work “round the clock” to produce far-reaching recommendations that will be tabled at the proposed National Security Summit.
The Senate plans to announce the dates for its regional stakeholder meetings in the coming days.
